workshop of Martin Zürn (1585/90 - after 1665) Austrian, circa 1615

centred by Christ before the column, flanked by two flagellators in armour

Overall the condition is very good with minor wear, dirt and some chips to the painted surface as visible in the catalogue photograph. The scourges have been replaced. The big toe of Christ's proper right foot is missing. The relief was originally carved in several vertical sections which are visible at the back. In two places the joints between sections have been strengthened with later metal plaques with holes for attachment.
"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 Zürn family were an extraordinary and prolific family of sculptors working in southern Germany and Austria in the late 16^th and first half of the 17^th centuries. The sculptors spanned four generations and began with Hans Zürn the Elder (1550/60 - after 1631). All of his six sons became sculptors. Jörg and Martin were the most successful. Martin Zürn worked closely with his brother Michael and often assisted his father Hans Zürn the Elder.

The present relief of the Flagellation and the previous lot, a relief of Christ before Pilate, are both carved in a distinctive manner with a similarity of detail particularly in the heavy lidded eyes with their carefully sculpted pupils and in Christ's perizonium with the central drapery falling between the legs. They undoubtedly originate from the same workshop. A comparison with the perizonium and the detailed musculature of Christ in the Flagellation can be made with a figure of St Sebastian attributed to the workshop of Martin Zürn in the Museum in Kornhaus, Bad Waldsee. A particularly close comparison with the Flagellation can be found in a relief of the same subject from a series in the church of St James Major, Pfullendorf, Sigmaringen. The moustachioed flagellator on the left holds the same pose, with his proper right foot hidden behind the pillar, stepping out on his left foot and his proper right hand raised above his head, with his left raised above his waist. Christ's feet straddle the pillar and the distinctive drop of drapery from the perizonium flutters behind his proper left leg. The flagellator on the right also holds a similar pose. One of the Pfullendorf reliefs is signed and dated 1615 and it can be assumed that the present reliefs date from this same period.

RELATED LITERATURE
J. Chipps Smith, "Zürn, Martin" Grove Art Online. Oxford University Press, http://www.groveart.com/; C. Zoege von Manteuffel, Die Walseer Bildhauer Zürn, ex. cat. (Kornhausmuseum Bad Waldsee, 1998) figs. 95, 100-106, pp. 92-97