Italian, probably Tuscany, circa 1400

Cyril Humphris Ltd., London
Denys Miller Sutton, London, acquired from the above May 31, 1965
Thence by descent to the present owner

Arms and legs lacking as shown in catalogue image. Hole in top of head for insertion of halo. Back roughly worked with holes for mounting, one with plaster and wood fill. Surface with wear, some remains of gilding in hair and drapery. Minor scattered losses particularly to drapery. Number inscribed in pencil on back of proper right leg. Overall minor chipping and wear. With later velvet backed giltwood stand, velvet somewhat worn, gilding rubbed and chipped in areas.
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.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING CONDITION OF A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD "AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF SALE PRINTED IN THE CATALOGUE.

RELATED LITERATURE

Alessandra Frosini, Scultura lignea dipinta nella Toscana medievale, San Casciano, 2005
Alan Darr, Italian Sculpture in the Detroit Institute of Arts, vol. I, London, 2002, no.66

The configuration of the gentle folds and breaks in His perizonium combined with His long torso with a rib cage that comes to a point in the center, are characteristics that reveal a Tuscan origin (see Darr, op.cit, no. 66). The emotionally reserved facial expression also corresponds specifically with corpora from Montalcino and Lucca (see Frosini, op.cit., no. 36).