Attributed to Jacopo del Sellaio

With Julius Bohler, Munich;
From whom purchased by Alfred Bum on September 21, 1918;
Thence by descent to the present owner.

The following condition report has been provided by Simon Parkes of Simon Parkes Art Conservation, Inc. 502 East 74th St. New York, NY 212-734-3920, simonparkes@msn.com , an independent restorer who is not an employee of Sotheby's. The ultraviolet light is not particularly effective with this work and this report is based on a visual appraisal. The wood for this cross was probably originally joined on the front, running through the arms of Christ and on the reverse running through Christ's chest and horizontally above his head. The cracks that correspond to these joins are slightly visible. Other small losses are visible in the edges, where some of the gilding has been chipped. On the verso, the right arm of Christ seems to have been restored and there are probably restorations at the lower portion of the gown of the Madonna on the left side of Christ and in the green gown of the saint on the right side. There is a restoration in the upper element with the portrait of God, located in his left shoulder and in the gilding above and to his right. On the recto, without the Madonna on the left side, possibly the head of the saint on the left side of the picture, the fingers and a good deal of the body of the figure may be restored. The other two figures look quite healthy but in this case, the left arm of Christ may also have been repainted. The gilding in many places seems to be original and although cleaning the work is not recommended, some of the restoration, although not exaggerated, is lacking in finesse and could be improved. Nonetheless, considering this is a processional cross which was repeatedly used in ceremonies, the condition is as one would expect with wear and tear and losses here and there.
"This lot is offered for sale subject to Sotheby's Conditions of Business, which are available on request and printed in Sotheby's sale catalogues. The independent reports contained in this document are provided for prospective bidders' information only and without warranty by Sotheby's or the Seller."