North Italian, probably late 15th century

Acquired by Georges Hoentschel (1855-1915), Paris for J. Pierpont Morgan
Gift of J. Pierpont Morgan (1837-1913), 1916, acc. nos. 16.32.40 and 41

André Pératé and Gaston Brière, Collections Georges Hoentschel: Acquises par M. J. Pierpont Morgan et offertes au Metropolitan Museum de New York, vol. 1, Paris, 1908, pl. XVIII
Joseph Breck, Catalogue of Romanesque, Gothic and Renaissance Sculpture, 1913, p. 164, cat. nos. 173 and 174

Surface weathered with some remains of pigment, chips, losses, and abrasions. One figure with restoration at proper right hand and top edge, also with plaster fill. Noses of figures with plaster restorations, now detached from three of four faces. Some old glue visible at sites of restoration. Reverse of each roughly worked.
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.

Traditionally called North Italian, the style of the carving on these stone supports, each with three standing figures clad in windswept drapery, blends the elegant drapery seen in the work of Quattrocento artists like Francesco di Giorgio who worked in Siena, with the faceted drapery style of sculptors in the Lombard region, such as Montegazza.