Workshop of Alonso Cano (1601-1667) Spanish, Granada, 17th century

Brussels, Palais des Beaux-Arts, Splendeurs D'Espagne et les Villes Belges 1500-1700, 1985

Splendeurs D'Espagne et les Villes Belges 1500-1700, exh. cat., Palais des Beaux-Arts, Brussels, 1985, vol. 2, p. 477, no. C12

Overall, the condition of the lead is good, with minor dirt and wear to the surface consistent with age. There is craquelure to the polychromy throughout, and the polychromy has been refreshed in a few areas, including to the forehead and face, to the arms, to the feet and ankles, and around the neck. There are minor losses to the polychromy at the feet and the tips of the fingers. There is a probably original casting plug to the back of the head.There is wear to the gilding of the terrasse in areas. Two of the putto heads on the base are slightly loose but stable. There are minor losses to the brass inlay of the base, in particular to the left hand corner at the back, and some of the brass mounts are very slightly warped.There is some stable splitting to the wood base, consistent with the material, in particular around the bottom edge. There is minor evidence of past worming to the underside of the base. There are protective felt pads to the underside of three of the lions forming the feet.
"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 attribution of the present Infant Christ is based on a comparison with the nearly identical Christ Child in the Museo Nacional de Escultura in Vallodolid, attributed to Cano (inv. no. 2627). One of the most prominent sculptors and painters of the Spanish Baroque, Cano was a student of Juan Martínez Montañés and, due to his versatility as an artist, often nicknamed 'the Spanish Michelangelo'. The type of highly realistically painted statuettes, such as the present lot, were intended for private devotional use. 

RELATED LITERATURE
Coleccion - Seleccion de obras, Museo Nacional Colegio de San Gregorio, Valladolid, 2009, no. 72, pp. 206-207