Circle of Tino di Camaino (active circa 1312-1337) Italian, Tuscany, first half 14th century

There is wear, weathering and dirt throughout consistent with age and placement outside. The surface was possibly repolished. There are several losses around the edges. The Virgin has several slots for mounting hinges to the edges. There are some more recent nicks to the angel's hand, face, and the tip of the arch above. Otherwise the condition of the reliefs is stable.
"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."

Antique stone fragments were abundantly available in Gothic Tuscany, serving as artistic inspirations for Nicola and Giovanni Pisano's sculptural monuments. The present relief in two parts is a rare and fascinating example of the appropriation of such architectural elements as spolia. Two Roman marble ceiling blocks dating to the 2nd or 3rd century AD, with carved decorations visible at the back, have been recarved with the Annunciation, thereby converting these Classical remains into Christian works of art. Stylistically the scene fits well into the oeuvre of Tino di Camaino and his followers. Tino assisted in Giovanni Pisano's workshop and went on to become one of the leading sculptors in early 14th-century Tuscany. A particularly striking comparison to the present Angel is found in Tino's Angel of the Annunciation from the reliefs for the tomb-altar of San Ranieri (Baldelli, op. cit., fig. 49). The pose of the Virgin, who holds her drapery with her left hand while placing the right on her chest, is seen in the Virgin of the Annunciation by Tino da Camaino in the Museo dell'Opera di Santa Croce, Florence (ibid., fig. 191). Compare also the oversized wings of the Angels in an architectural relief by Giovanni d'Agostino (Bartalini, op. cit., fig. 339).

RELATED LITERATURE
R. Bartalini, Scultura gotica in Toscana. Maestri, monumenti, cantieri del Due e Trecento, Siena, 2005; F. Baldelli, Tino di Camaino, Morbio Inferiore, 2007