North Italian, Lombard, first half 16th century

from a crucifixion

E. Castelnuovo,  Imago Lignea, Sculture lignee nel Trentino (Trento, 1989) illus. fig. 125, attributed to il Maestro del Compianto

There is some restoration to the surface due to woodworming with some areas of refill and a few replaced sections to the drapery. There is restoration to the neck, the nose may have been restored. The left hand is missing. There are few vertical cracks, some with refill. There is some wear to the carving in the hair. There are traces of gilding and polychromy. Otherwise the overall condition is good.
"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."

Originally forming part of a large Deposition group, this rendition of St. John was attributed by Castelnuovo to "il Maestro del Compianto"  based on its striking similarity with the Deposition group in the church of Santa Tecla in Torno on the shores of Lake Como in Lombardy. Compare in particular with the figure of Mary Magdalene illustrated by Castelnuovo fig. 123. Lombardy by its very proximity to the forested foot-hills of the Alps specialised in large scale wood sculpture in the Renaissance.