In Romanesque Style

Sotheby's London, 10 December 1992, lot 4

The condition of the bronze is good with dirt and wear to the surface consistent with age. There are holes to each of the hands and the bottom of the cross. There is a small lacuna to the belt. There is minor rubbing to the details. The left ray of the halo has been cast separately and pinned. There are a few nicks to the surface.
"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."

The present corpus combines a number of features typical of other Romanesque corpora, but equally has a number of features that seem to be foreign to the vast group illustrated by Bloch (op.cit.).

For example, none of the corpora in Bloch’s catalogue show the same excavation of the head as the present bronze. Few are cast with legs conjoined and with a three-pronged halo. Similarly, only a handful of other examples have hollowed out ears (see no. IC 10, op. cit.), and none to the degree of the present bronze, whose ears are deeply punched.

RELATED LITERATURE
P. Bloch, Bronzegeräte des Mitterlalters. Vol. 5. Romanische Bronzekruzifixe, Berlin, 1992, pp. 10 and 27