Netherlandish, Brabant, circa 1520

with an old paper label inscribed: P.J. and F38, and numbered: 84 in red ink on the reverse

Baron Alberto Fassini Camossi, Rome;
and thence by family descent

A. Venturi, Collezione d'arte del Barone Alberto Fassini, Milan/ Rome, 1930, vol. I, unpaginated (as German, 15th century)

Overall the condition of the wood is good with wear and dirt to the surface consistent with age. The group was made in sections; one joint is visible at the thighs of Christ. The polychromy has worn and flaked at the high points throughout with some particular losses to the veils of the Virgin and the figure on the far right and the drapery of the kneeling Mary, sometimes revealing the white gesso ground. There are a few minor losses, including to the ring finger of the proper left hand of the Virgin, the ground before Christ and the edges of the drapery of the kneeling figure. All figures have some small holes and a few old nails to the reverse. The condition of the later wooden base is good with some wear to the lacquer at its edges.
"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."

Originally part of a Passion Altarpiece, the sculptural characteristics of this Lamentation, which is deeply carved in four sections, follow a well-versed pattern found in Netherlandish and in particular Brabantine sculpture of the early 16th century. Note the elaborate soft folds and the presence of distinctive costume details, in particular the intricate headdress worn by Mary Magdalene.

RELATED LITERATURE
H. Nieuwdorp, Antwerpse retabels 15- de 16de eeuw, exh. cat. Antwerp Cathedral, 1993, no. 7; J.W. Steyaert, Late Gothic Sculpture, The Burgundian Netherlands, Ghent, 1994, nos. 29 and 36