After the drawing by Michelangelo (1568-1646) South German or North Italian, circa 1800

centred by the body of Christ lowered from the cross by five figures, in later glazed frame

Overall the ivory is in excellent condition. It has been carved in two vertical sections. The joint is held together with an attached strip of canvas to the reverse. There are traces of old glue across the back from an earlier 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 composition is inspired by the red chalk drawing Studies for a Deposition, circa 1523, by Michelangelo now in the Teylers Museum, Haarlem which was subsequently adapted  into a low and pierced relief, (a stucco of which is in the Casa Buonarotti, Florence). Examples can be found in various mediums including wax, bronze and stucco, and include those in the Victoria and Albert Museum (inv. no. A.1-1941 and A.2-1941). Originally attributed to Guglielmo della Porta, the composition has most recently been attributed to an artist working in the circle of Daniele da Volterra dating to circa 1570.  Two ivory reliefs of the subject are in the Museo Nazionale, Florence, cited by Pope-Hennessy, as well as another in the Vatican.  

RELATED LITERATURE
C. R. Morey, Gli Ogetti di Avorio e di Osso, Museo Sacra Vaticano (Citta del Vaticano, 1936) pp. 42-50; J. Pope-Hennessy, Catalogue of Italian Sculpture in the Victoria and Albert Museum (London 1964) nos. 463-5; H. Chapman,  Michelangelo Drawings,: Closer to the Master, British Museum 23 March-25 June 2006 and Teyler Museum, Haarlem 6 October 2005 to 8 January 2006 (London 2005) pp. 213-215