Circle of Francois Duquesnoy, Flemish, 17th century

with an illegible old paper label

Overall the condition of the ivory is good. There is dirt and wear to the surface consistent with age and handling. The proper right index finger is lost. There are several smaller losses to the drapery at the back and a few chips and scratches to the surface. There is some stable naturally occurring splitting running through the group, particularly at the proper right thigh, the upper back and buttocks. There is a stable but slightly open split at Christ's proper right heel. There is a small hole in the top of the head and a, possibly wood, plug in the ground near the proper right foot. There is some dryness to the surface, including between the legs and in some of the crevices. The base is glued to the group and some glue has seeped out onto the base and bottom of the sculpture at the back. There is a split running through the base and the remnants of some stick labels on the front side and underside of the base. The sculpture is slightly loose on the 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.
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."

A closely related ivory carving of the same subject attributed to Duquesnoy, currently in the Musée National de la Renaissance in Ecouen, is illustrated in Tardy (op.cit.) with another in the Musee de Cluny.

RELATED LITERATURE
Les Ivoires. Évolution décorative du Ier siècle a nos jours, Tardy, Paris, 1966, p. 183