COLOMBIAN, LATE 17TH/ EARLY 18TH CENTURY | Casket

Overall the condition of the casket is good, with minor wear and dirt to the surface consistent with age. The barniz de Pasto decoration is largely intact, though there is some general wear, including rubbing to the gilding and polychromy. There are a few minor losses to the barniz de Pasto in areas, notably to the top and bottom edges of the lid on the right hand side, and to the bottom edge on the left hand side. There are a few fissures in the barniz de Pasto, presumably as a result of natural stable splitting to the wood, including at both far ends of the lid at the front. The body of the casket is carved in sections, and some of the joints are slightly open, notably at both short sides of the casket, where this has led to further fissures in the barniz de Pasto layer. The lid is slightly warped and larger than the body of the casket. The casket is not completely closed when the lock is activated. The mounts of the top handle are slightly loose but stable. There is wear to the mounts, including warping and some oxidation. The casket rocks slightly when placed on an even surface. There is some wear to the fabric on the interior, including fraying.
"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
F. Marcos, Las Artes del Nuevo Mundo, exh. cat. Coll & Cortés and Marcos e Marcos, Madrid, 2011, pp. 40-45