North Italian, 16th century

Overall the condition of the wood and the polychromy is good. There is wear and dirt to the surface consistent with age and there are minor losses throughout. The layer of paint and gilding has craquelée throughout which has resulted in some minor flaking of the paint. Each panel has been sawed off the drawer it was attached to, leaving joints in place. Each panel also has a key hole in the centre, three of the panels are fitted with an iron lock. Panel 1 with the human figure in the middle has chips to the bottom left and right corners. The proper right ear and the lower proper left hind leg of the beast on the right are missing. Panel 2 with the human figure on the right has a minor chip to the proper right ear of the central beast. Panel 3 with the skull in the centre has chips to the lower edges of both helmets. The proper right lower hind and lower front leg of the beast on the left are missing and there is a chip at the drapery under this beast. The central beast on this panel has losses to its proper right ear and proper left lower front leg. THe joint of its proper right hind leg is visible. The beast on the right is missing its proper right front leg and has a chip to the drapery under it. There are chips to the edges of the panel on the left and right. This panel has a lock. Panel 4 with three beasts and two helmets has a chip to its bottom right corner. The beast on the left has a chip to its proper left ear. The beast in the centre is missing its proper right hind leg. The beast on the right is missing both proper right lower legs and there is a chip to its proper left ear. This panel has a lock. Panel 5 with the skull on the right has chips to the edges of both sides and to the lower edges of the helmets. The beast on the left has chips to its ear, jaw and beard and is missing its proper right front leg. The beast in the centre has a chip to its proper right ear and is missing its proper right front leg. At the beast on the right there are losses to the wing on the chin, proper right ear, proper left front leg and chest, drapery and proper left hind leg. This panel has a lock.
"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."

Compare with the frieze panels sold on 17 July 1980 as lot 68 in these rooms. See also the frieze decorating an enthroned Virgin sold here on 13 December 1991, lot 76.

RELATED LITERATURE
E. F. Bange, Die Bildwerke des Deutschen Museums, 4 vols., Berlin/ Leipzig, 1923-1930, vol. IV, p. 71, no. 8206