An ivory corpus on a gilt-bronze mounted kingwood veneered altar cross the ivory corpus 17th century, the base and cross late 18th century

the ivory corpus finely carved with crown of thorns and loosely draped perizonium held by a rope, the terminals of the cross arms applied with gilt bronze laurel leaf roundels, the base centred by a winged cherub's head

Sold as lot 522, "A Private Collection Located in Piazza Farnese", Sotheby's, Rome, 18 May 2004.

Corpus: well carved overall condition is good apart from top digit of index finger of right hand which is missing as well as a small section of rope on the perizonium. Separately carved arms may need reattaching, losses to halo. Cross: a number of the pins attaching the ormolu to the cross have been replaced and there are 2 missing. Minor losses to veneer with some lifting to veneer on right hand side of the base. Chip to back right section of base. The scrolled laurel wreaths on the end of the terminals may be later additions. Very attractive and good quality cross. Inventive design and combination of materials. Recommended.
"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 ivory corpus derives from a form developed in the late sixteenth century and was mounted on a cross in the late eighteenth century. The cross is characterised by its elegant fishbone veneering with gilt bronze mounts and can be compared with commissions undertaken by Luigi Valadier and Giuseppe Spagna for Pope Pius VI (reigned 1775-1799).  Similar veneering can be found on the cupboard doors in the Vatican library made circa 1785 by the cabinet maker Andrea Mimmi.