An Italian gilt and painted stucco relief of the Madonna and Child, after a composition ascribed to Lorenzo Ghiberti (1378-1455), second quarter 15th century, Florence

within Renaissance style gilt and painted wood framework, remains of two collection labels on the reverse, one with the number 393 in ink.

Salander-O'Reilly Galleries, New York, 2004

Standard surface abrasions and small losses throughout. Chipping to multiple layers of polychromy. Restoration including some areas of edges of drapery including lower side swaths and proper left backside. Possible well-restored breaks include horizontal break though child's neck and break through center, through his torso and to the left with plaster fill for consolidation on reverse. Frame later with chips and losses to polychrome. Some cracks.
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.

The present sculpture is related to a group of painted terracotta reliefs variously attributed to the workshop of Lorenzo Ghiberti, although comparisons with the work of Donatello and Jacopo della Quercia have also been noted (Lusanna, op. cit., p. 211). For other examples see Schottmüller (op. cit., fig. 6) and Lausanna (op. cit., cat. nos. 178-179) and two fine stucco reliefs is in the Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York and in the Bargello, Florence.

While the present variant is relatively uncommon, another composition, differing in the treatment of the Virgin's veil and the placement of the Child's legs, was more widely produced and has been sold in these rooms (see sale January 13, 1992, lot 195).  In the latter representation, the Child's body twists towards the Virgin and His left leg crosses His right to extend to the Virgin's right elbow. These terracotta and stucco reliefs were made to satisfy an increasing demand for domestic devotional objects at relatively reasonable prices.

RELATED LITERATURE
F. Schottmüller, Italienischen und Spanischen Bildwerke der Renaissance und des Barocks in Marmor, Ton, Holz und Stuck, Berlin, 1913, fig. 6, p. 6.
E. N. Lusanna, Il Museo Bardini, vol. II, Milan, 1986, cat. nos. 178-179, figs. 211 and 213