North Italian, probably Florence, late 16th century

with attached arms, some wear and worming

There are chips, worming and losses throughout. There are losses particularly to the toes on one foot and toes of right foot later replacements . The fingers on both hands and part of the perizonium. There are some minor restorations and fills particularly in the perizonium and on the face and on one foot. The arms are detached and are secured to the form with pegs. The back is fitted with a large metal hook for hanging.
"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 impressive life-size Christ on the cross would have originally hung above an altar.  The form of the figure and the sense of pathos which it exudes recall the work of Pietro Tacca who modelled several large crucifixes in wood, including one in the San Lorenzo de El Escorial and another in the Cathedral of Pisa. 

The present figure is particularly similar to the crucifixion in Pisa in the lean musculature of the arms, the facial type, the position of the head and the sharp folds of the perizonium. The figure divorces, however, from some of Tacca's figures in that he does not have a swing in his hips, a trait adopted by Tacca in his crucifixion in the Cattedrale dei Santi Alberto e Marziale. 

RELATED LITERATURE
P. Torriti, Pietro Tacca da Carrara (Genoa, 1975), pp. 81-90; F. Falletti, Pietro Tacca, Carrara, La Toscana, Le Grandi Corti Europee (2007) pp. 75-8, 186-7