Hungarian, late 15th century

Salvatore and Francesco Romano, Palazzo Magnani Feroni, Florence;
and thence by family descent;
their sale, Sotheby's Florence, Salvatore e Francesco Romano. Antiquari a Firenze, 12-15 October 2009, lot 24

There are several losses, including to: the spikes of the crown; the hands; the face, in particular the proper left side; the proper right thumb; the attribute in the proper right hand; and both feet are lost. There are nicks, chips and scratches throughout, notably at the shoulders and both sides of the skirt, in particular to the edge at the front on the proper right side. There is some whitish encrusted dirt, including at the proper right shoulder. Otherwise the condition of the stone is stable. The wood base is in good condition with some wear to the edges and corners and minor stable splitting to the wood consistent with the material.
"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."

It was customary in the 15th century to adorn civic buildings such as town halls with figures of knights or kings. Statuary of this type both embellished buildings and served as a reminder of a city's wealth and power. Few survive and fewer still survive in situ. The present figure of a king is distinguished by his sumptuous 15th-century costume, with thick sleeves, belted waist, and large chain of office. He wears a crown on his head and gloves, one of which is embroidered with a mandorla in which there is a crucifix; there was probably once a sceptre in his left hand. Particularly charming details include the striated lines on the face, delineating the beard, and the cross hatched decoration on the belt. An analogous late 15th-century South German or Austrian figure of a knight was sold in these rooms on 3 July 2012, lot 58.