Attributed to the workshop of Lorenzo Ghiberti (1378-1455) Italian, Florence, second quarter 15th century

inscribed: AVE MARIA GR

Overall the condition of the stucco is very good, with minor dirt and wear to the surface consistent with age. Some of the polychromy, notably the skin tones, has been refreshed and may conceal some condition points. There is some wear to the gilding and to the polychromy, in particular to the folds of the Virgin's veil, to her chest and the edges of her mantle, to the shield on the left side, and to the moulding of the base. There are a few minor chips and lacunae, notably to the bottom edge, and there is a small hole to the top of the Child's head which is covered by the Virgins veil. A few pieces of felt have been attached to the underside.
"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."

This beautiful relief may be grouped among a series of compositions attributed to Lorenzo Ghiberti and his workshop. For other examples, see Schottmüller (op. cit., fig. 6) and Lausanna (op. cit., cat. nos. 178-179). The present composition is a rare variant, which focuses on the Virgin's protective qualities by placing a section of her veil over the Child's head, resulting in a scene of profound maternal tenderness. It compares closely to a stucco at the Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York (inv. no. 08.22.3) and the so-called Cartiglio Madonna (Joli, op. cit., no. 10), though it differs in exposing Christ's torso, analogous to a version sold at Sotheby's New York, 29 January 2016, lot 440. 

RELATED LITERATURE
F. Schottmüller, Die Italienischen und Spanischen Bildwerke der Renaissance und des Barocks in Marmor, Ton, Holz und Stuck, Berlin, 1913, p. 6, fig. 6; E. N. Lusanna, Il Museo Bardini, vol. II, Milan, 1986, cat. nos. 178-179, figs. 211 and 213; A. Jolly, Madonnas by Donatello and his circle, European University Studies, series XXVIII, vol. 319, Frankfurt, 1998, pp. 20-21, no. 10 and p. 224