SOUTHERN GERMAN, MID-14TH CENTURY | Crucifix

Georg Schuster, Munich, by 1937;
his sale, Julius Böhler, Munich, 17 and 18 March 1938, lot 296;
private collection, Germany

H. Wilm, Die Sammlung Georg Schuster, Munich, 1937, p. 37, no. 8 and pl. 2, fig. 8

Overall the condition of the metal is good, with some wear and dirt to the surface consistent with age. There is rubbing to the gilding, particularly at the high points. There is some warping to the cross, notably at both arms. There are a few holes to the cross, which appear to be original. There are a few very small lacunae to the Corpus, including to the beard on the proper left side. There are slightly open but stable joints visible on the reverse of the cross. There are minor nicks and scratches to the bronze throughout. The Corpus is attached to the cross with transparent plastic wire at both hands.
"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 present crucifix was localised in Bohemia by Wilm in 1937 (op. cit.), however a German origin is more likely. The stylised ribcage and bent arms are seen in Southern German metal corpora, including examples in the Bayerisches Nationalmuseum (inv. no. MA 226) and the Liebieghaus, Frankfurt (inv. no. 1002).

RELATED LITERATURE
H. Weihrauch, Die Bildwerke in Bronze und anderen Metallen, cat. Bayerisches Nationalmuseum, Munich, 1956, p. 9, no. 14; W. Schenkluhn (ed.), Nachantike kleinplastische Bildwerke, Band I, Mittelalter, cat. Liebieghaus, Frankfurt, Melsungen, 1987, pp. 153-155, no. 92