An Italian terracotta figure of Saint Sebastian, attributed to the workshop of the Master of the David and Saint John Statuettes, late 15th/early 16th century, Florence

Sotheby Parke Bernet, New York, December 4, 1982, lot 44

Flaking of polychrome, chipping, and surface abrasions throughout. Cracking and chipping above proper right hip extending into abdomen. Hairline crack through proper left foot through toes. Repaired horizontal break through figure and trunk at center; this crack is slightly unstable and would need attention. Fill at back of bar and underside. Remainders of arrows in body. Drill holes from thermoluminescence sampling in top reverse of trunk and below 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.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING CONDITION OF A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD "AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF SALE PRINTED IN THE CATALOGUE.

Sir John Pope-Hennessy gave the conventional name 'Master of the David and Saint John Statuettes'  to the unrecorded, probably Florentine sculptor responsible for a group of terracotta figures including several examples in the Victoria and Albert Museum.  In addition to the two subjects from which the sculptor takes his name, a Saint Sebastian in that collection is also by his hand (Pope-Hennessy, op. cit., no. 183); Pope-Hennessy also mentions 'a much superior version' in the Kunstgewerbe Museum, Leipzig.  The present work is clearly dependant upon those compositions, given the size, attitude, and physiognomy of the young Sebastian.  Other examples of the subject from the workshop include one sold at in these rooms December 3-4, 1982, lot 44, and another sold Sotheby's London, July 6, 1995, lot 20.

RELATED LITERATURE

John Pope-Hennessy, Catalogue of Italian Sculpture in the Victoria and Albert Museum, London, pp. 191-196