Italo-Flemish, 16th century

Overall the condition of the alabaster is good. There is wear and some minor dirt to the surface consistent with age. There are areas of weathering throughout consistent with placement in moist conditions, the surface of all the high points is affected. There is a stable hairline fissure at the proper rightt wrist of the soldier. There are a few chips around the edges of the relief, including to the lower left corner. The reverse has two filled holes near the top and two trapezoid slots to the right side.
"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."

The soldier in this relief is of a type similar to a figure in a drawing of a Judgement on the verso of a Michelangelo drawing in the British Museum (inv. no. 1887-5-2-115). As gypsum alabaster was quarried in Castellina, the relief could have been carved in Florence.

RELATED LITERATURE
J. Wilde, Italian drawings in the Department of Prints and Drawings in the British Museum. Michelangelo and his Studio, London, 1953, pp. 58-60, no. 29, pl. CXL