South Netherlandish, late 15th century

private collection, Belgium;
Sotheby’s London, 12 December 1985, lot 74 (part of a set of two, see lot 73);
private collection, Belgium

Overall the wood is in very good condition with minor dirt and wear to the surface consistent with age. There is stable splitting to the wood consistent with the material; this is most visible at the front at the base. There are some original wood inserts in the base on the left side. There are two particularly prominent splits beneath Christ in the base; there are also some splits running through the head of Christ. The figure on the right whose arm is stretched out is missing the tips of his fingers on his proper right hand. The second from the left turbaned figure on the top row has lost his proper right hand. The top of the Crucifix is probably replaced. There are some losses to the hat of the far right figure on the second tier. There are some losses to the proper right shoe of the far right figure on the bottom tier. The far right top figure may have held attributes in his hand which are lost. There are a few smaller chips and losses, including to the proper right foot of the figure to the left of Christ. There are a few small losses to Christ's crown of thorns.
"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."

This impressive relief once belonged to a grand altarpiece of which sections have appeared on the market on numerous occassion in the last century. Each of the groups is characterised by its large size, numerous figures, and wonderfully astute characterisation of the faces of the good and the evil persons present on Mount Calvary. Other elements from the retable were formerly in the collection Lizé in Rouen, sold at Hôtel Drouot Paris, 25 March 1901, lot 100, and another at Galerie Georges Giroux Brussels, 29-31 May 1958, lot 491.