CIRCLE OF BARTOLOMEO BELLANO (PADUA 1437/8 - 1496/7 PADUA)NORTH ITALIAN, LATE 15TH CENTURY | God the Father

David Peel and Company, London;
The Martin D'Arcy Gallery of Art, the Loyola University Museum of Medieval and Renaissance Art, Chicago;
Sotheby's New York, 13 and 15 January 1992, lot 197

Loss of proper right arm and parts of some fingers (see catalogue image). Surface abrasions and minor losses throughout. Traces of polychromy. Perhaps some old restoration on far right edge of drapery. Small patch on bridge of nose restored. Aperture at back of head now partially filled with plaster. Stable and very nicely modeled.
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.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING CONDITION OF A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD "AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF SALE PRINTED IN THE CATALOGUE.

Compare Bellano's figures in his marble relief of the Lamentation in the Victoria and Albert Museum (no. 314-1878) with the specific facial features, including furrowed brows and assiduous treatment of hair modeled in distinct sections and with the strands indicated by densely arranged parallel lines. This terracotta was originally sold in 1992 together with a copy of a report from the research laboratory for Archeology in Oxford (now Oxford Authentication) on thermoluminescence analysis stating that the object was last fired between 380 and 580 years ago.