Circle of Jacopino da Tradate (1371-1455) Italian, Lombardy, first quarter 15th century

Overall the condition of the marble is good. There is some wear and dirt to the surface consistent with age. There is some slight, naturally occurring veining visible to the surface; some of the areas of discolouration are not due to natural inclusions but the result of later staining. Some areas were cleaned. There is a loss to the proper left hand of the Virgin and there are small chips to the proper left hand of the Child. There are some further, minor chips to the top of the head and the corners of the base. Both sides have areas of minor scratches. The back of the seat has been scooped out; there is a small drilled hole to the back of the Virgin.
"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 charming group of the Madonna and the Christ Child has been attributed to the circle of Jacopino da Tradate by Andrea Franci. It is striking for the intimate depiction of motherly and childly love, and for the abstract quality of its draperies. Stylistically the group may be compared with a group of martyr saints, St Lucy and a Franciscan martyr saint in the Museo dell'Opera del Duomo in Milan. The group of the Madonna and the Christ Child, which may have been made for a small altar or for private devotion, epitomises the specifically Lombard dialect of the international Gothic style, which reigned in Italy in the beginning of the 15th century, just before the Renaissance began.

RELATED LITERATURE
E. Brivio (ed.), Il Duomo di Milano, Milan, 1981, p. 207; L. Cavazzini, Il crepuscolo della scultura medievale in Lombardia, Florence, 2004, pp. 127-51