After a model by Alessandro Algardi (1598-1654) Italian, Rome, 17th century

engraved: PC on the calves of each figure; on an ebonised pear wood and bronze base, the column inlaid with mottled marble

Casa d'Aste Pitti, Florence, 10-12 December 1980, lot 369;
Art Market, Florence
IRSA, Verlagsanstalt, Vienna, 1987-1989, from whom acquired by the present owner

J. Montagu, Alessandro Algardi, New Haven & London, 1985, II, no. 9.C.23, pp. 319-320; J. Grabski, 'The Corsini Flagellation Group by Alessandro Algardi', Artibus et Historiae VII, 16, 1987, pp. 9-23; Grabski, J. (ed.), Opus sacrum. From the collection of Barbara Piasecka Johnson, exh. cat. Royal Castle Warsaw, 1990, cat. 64, pp. 330-334

Overall the condition of the bronzes is very good. There is some minor wear and dirt to the gilding consistent with age. There are some minor casting flaws around the loin cloths and in the hair. The pins for mounting are later. The figure on the proper left side of Christ has a small scratch across his chest. The proper left ankle of Christ has a small fissure to it. There are a few stable figures to the inlay of the column, the gilt capital has an ungilt section and a casting flaw on top and to its base.
"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.
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This Flagellation is the quintessential small bronze group of the Roman Seicento; few bronzes from the period have been the focus of more admiration and scholarly scrutiny. The model has been famous through the centuries for its play of balance and movement, a characteristic which is only heightened by the gilding and fine chasing of the present example.

Casts of the Flagellation exist in several variations which has prompted a debate concerning the authorship. Two types have been distinguished: an earlier version, upon which according to Jennifer Montagu, both Alessandro Algardi and François Du Quesnoy worked; and a later version, which was solely Algardi's creation. In her 1985 monograph on Algardi (op.cit.), Montagu attributes this Christ and the flagellator on his right to Algardi while she assigns the figure on His left to François Du Quesnoy. This configuration seems to be unique.

The engraved PC on the calves of each figure has been interpreted as a reference to the Florentine Palazzo Corsini. Other sculptures from this collection, however, do not bear any such monograms; the engravings' significance thus remains to be resolved.

RELATED LITERATURE
J. Montagu, 'A Flagellation Group: Algardi or du Quesnoy?', Bulletin des Musées Royaux d'Art et d'Histoire XXXVII-XXXIX, series 4, 1966-1967; M. Boudon-Machuel, François Du Quesnoy , 1597-1643, Paris 2005, pp. 95-97, 223-224.