Southern Netherlandish, possibly Antwerp, second quarter of the 16th century

Sotheby’s London, 9 December 1987, lot 223;

Giovanni Sarti, London;

Bruno Scardeoni, Lugano.

This large, deeply carved and multi-figure relief is marked by an astonishing level of detail in actions and physiognomies, turning Christ’s procession to Calvary into a theatrical spectacle. Falling to his knees carrying the cross, Christ is assaulted by a soldier behind him, while Saint Veronica kneels before him, holding up her veil. The background is populated by soldiers, as well as the ‘Maries’ and Saint John, with the two thieves being led away in the top right corner.

The general composition is one often found in Southern Netherlandish sculpture - for the motif of the soldier behind Christ, for example, see an oak relief sold at Sotheby’s London on 3 December 2014, lot 37 – but it is rarely seen on such a large and elaborate scale. The style of Saint Veronica’s headdress may indicate a possible origin in Antwerp.