Florentine School, 15th century

Tempera on panel, gold ground, pointed top

The catalogue illustration is a little too red in tone. The panel support is flat and stable. There is an old partly filled crack running down some 8 cm from the upper left hand edge and some old cracking and loses along the lower edge of the frame on the right hand side. There are a few old worm holes. The panel is only in fair overall condition. The gold is original but has suffered badly from abrasion which has led to loss of detail, most notably the haloes of all the saints. The tempera has survived rather better, but similar problems recur in the lower central part of the panel where the robes of the Magdalene and the landscape around the foot of the cross has been damaged and now lacks definition. The faces have all similarly suffered from wear and their features enhanced, except for that of Christ. There has been some restoration to the left side of the robes of Saint John and to the centre of the Virgin Mary's cloak. There is a tiny old loss on Christ's forehead and the hair above this has been strengthened. The integral frame has numerous old peripheral chips and losses which have been repaired in the past.
"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."