Southern German, 17th century

Overall the condition of the wood is good, with minor dirt and wear to the surface consistent with age, with particular dirt in the crevices. A light varnish has been applied to the surface throughout. There appear to be a few re-attachments to the figures, including to Christ's fingers, His proper left shoulder, and St John's wrists. There is also some glue residue where the mourners are attached to the 'base'. There is minor stable splitting to the wood, consistent with the material, including to the back of the skull and Christ's torso. There are a few small holes to the skull, some of which seem to have been intended by the carver. There is particular wear to the wood base below the skull, which is probably later.
"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."

The unusually large skull from which the cross seems to grow lends this Crucifixion group a memento mori significance. A similar sharp-edged, almost spiralling style of drapery appears in the work of the Lake Konstanz sculptor Christoph Daniel Schenck (1633-1691).

RELATED LITERATURE
Christoph Daniel Schenck, 1633-1691, exh. cat. Württembergisches Landesmuseum, Stuttgart (et al.), Sigmaringen, 1996