Attributed to Benedetto Buglioni (1459/60-1521), Italian, Florence, circa 1490

Contini Bonaccorsi, Florence
Orsini collection, Milan

I Della Robbia e l'arte nuova della scultura invetriata, Basilica di Sant'Alessandro, Fiesole, 29 March-1 November 1998, no. VI.1

G. Gentilini, I Della Robbia. La scultura invetriata nel Rinascimento, Milan, 1992, p. 404

Overall the condition of the relief is good. There is wear and dirt to the surface consistent with age with particular dirt in the crevices. The glazing has stable craquelure throughout. Minor losses to the lower edge and the border at the top of the relief have been overpainted as have losses around a minor stable fissure to the left of the head. There are a few minor chips to the edges, including an area on the left side at the reverse of the relief. The relief has been remounted in the frame with foam and metal brackets. The frame has some worming and is unstable at the joints. One section is loose at the joint on the top right. Some of the paint with which the reverse of the frame was painted has spilled onto the reverse of the the left edge of the relief.
"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."

In addition to the prolific work created in the workshop of the Della Robbia, glazed polychrome terracotta sculptures were produced by the workshop of Benedetto Buglioni as well. Buglioni was the son of sculptor Giovanni di Bernardo and was possibly a pupil of Andrea Verrocchio, who undoubtably influenced his style.

The present relief can be closely compared to one in the Victoria and Albert Museum, London, also illustrated in Gentilini (op.cit.). A circular relief with a similar representation of the Adoring Virgin and the Child but including singing angels is in the Museo di Castel Sant'Angelo, Rome. Other examples of this tender scene were sold at Sotheby's New York on 25 November 1986 (lot 190) and 26 January 2006 (lot 416).