French, Limoges, 13th century

Private European collection

Overall the condition of the Corpus is good with dirt and wear to the surface consistent with age. There is rubbing to the gilding throughout, particularly to the high points. There is some greening to the copper, consistent with the material and age, mostly to the reverse, but also to the front, in particular at the hands, legs and feet. There are some relatively minor losses to the enamel, in particular to the blue on the right side of the perizonium. There is some pitting, particularly to the blue enamel, possibly where the enamel has taken a slight knock. There are some minor stable fissures in the green enamel. Various small nicks and scratches to the metal. The joint around the cabochon in the perizonium is stable but slightly open. There is minor wear to the later mount and some oxidation to the steel pins (as well as to the old iron pin in the feet of the corpus).
"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."

RELATED LITERATURE
P. Thoby, Les croix Limousines de la fin du XIIe siècle au début du XIVe siècle, Paris, 1953, p. 109, no. 32, pl. XIX