Martino di Bartolomeo

G. Fattorini, "Il polittico dei Carnaioli di Martino di Bartolomeo e Francesco di Valdambrino" in Nuovi Studi, 14, 2008 (2009), p. 28, illustrato figg. 36-37.

The panels are a little darker than the catalogue illustartion suggests. The four panels are flat. They have been extended along the edges, presumably to fit the frame which has a few paint losses: 1.5 cm along the sides, 2cm along the lower edge and up to 5 cm for the curved tops. From the recto, the upper and lower joins are visible whilst the sides aer mostly hidden by the frame. All are disrty and under a discoloured varnish. The punchwork of the haloes has surveived better than that along th edges. All four present small discoloured retouchings which are visible to the naked eye. Simon: minor paint loss lower right and long the upper join; Judas: minor paint loss lower left and crack alon gthe upper join; James: infilled crack along the join. The four panels would benefit from a clean but are in fair condition for works painted in the early 15th century.
"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."

Le tavole qui presentate sono opere importanti di Martino di Bartolomeo, attivo a Pisa e Lucca negli anni a cavallo tra Tre e Quattrocento. Concepite nel fiorire della sua maturità artistica come pilastri laterali di un grande polittico, è stato recentemente ipotizzato (op. cit.) che derivino dal polittico dei Carnaioli commissionato per l'altare dell'Oratorio della chiesa senese di Sant'Antonio Abate in Fontebranda - al posto della quale sorge oggi il Portico dei Comuni d'Italia che immette nel Santuario di Santa Caterina da Siena - anche se l'assenza dei Santi Stefano e Cristoforo, menzionati dalle fonti che ricordano il polittico dei Carnaioli accanto ad altri quattro santi anonimi, non consente di confermare in pieno questa ipotesi.

Siamo grati al Professore Andrea De Marchi per aver suggerito l'attribuzione a Martino di Bartolomeo sulla base di materiale fotografico.