Attributed to Francisco Salzillo (1707-1783) Spanish, Murcia, 18th century

Overall the condition of the group is excellent. There are some minor losses of paint and gilding consistent with age particularly to the Child's left hand and the lower edge of the dress on the right. There are some minor chips consistent with age, particularly to the crescent moon. There is a restoration to the thumb of the Virgin's right hand. Christ is missing a halo and the Virgin's crown is loose. There is some paint missing at the base particularly to the cherubs' noses and some of the joints are visible. The base has been reshaped at the back.
"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."

Francesco Salzillo entered the family workshop upon the death of his father in 1727. He had hoped to pursue a career in the church, but instead used his faith to inspire his sculpture. By 1755 Salzillo was appointed escultor y modelista and Inspector to the Inquisition for painting and sculpture in Murcia. The treatment of the drapery, richly decorated robes with intricate detailing, and physiognomy of the two figures are all consistent with Salzillo's work.

RELATED LITERATURE
J. Sánchez Moreno, Vida y obra de Francisco Salzillo, Murcia, 1945; E. Pardo, Canalís: Francisco Salzillo, Madrid, 1965; J. C. López Giménez, Escultura mediterránea: Final del siglo XVII y el siglo XVIII, Murcia, 1966; D. López García: Antonio Duparc y Francisco Salzillo, Murcia, 1970; E. Gómez Piñol, de., El imaginero Francisco Salzillo, Museo. Salzillo, 1973, J. L. Morales y Marin, El arte de Francisco Salzillo, Murcia, 1975; C. Belda Navarro, 'Los bocetos de Salzillo y su significación en la escultura barroca', Goya, 136 ,1977, pp. 226–33; Francisco Salzillo, exh. cat., Murcia, Mus. B.A., 1983