Circle of Johann Peter Schwanthaler the Elder (1720-1795) Austrian, third quarter 18th century

Julius Böhler, Munich, mid-1960s

There is dirt and wear to the surface consistent with age. The Virgin's hands are lost and glue is visible. Christ's proper left hand is lost and the thumb and two fingers of his proper right hand are lost. There is non-active worming throughout, especially to the back. The group is carved in two main pieces and a joint is visible at the base. There are splits (possible restorations) to the left corner at the back. There is restoration below the later metal mount. Otherwise the condition is good.
"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."

This finely carved Pietà is similar to a number of carvings by the Austrian Rococo sculptor Johann Peter Schwanthaler the Elder. A particularly close comparison is found in a Pietà with St. John and Mary Magdalene by Schwanthaler in the Germanisches Nationalmuseum, Nuremburg (inv. no. Pl.O.2495). Note Christ's similarly skeletal torso, the angular drapery, and the instruments of the passion lying on the ground. The textured surface of the ground is also very close to that seen in the present group.

RELATED LITERATURE
C. Diemer, 'Unbekannte Arbeiten der Bildhauerfamilie Schwanthaler in Nürnberg und Berlin', Anzeiger des Germanischen Nationalmuseums 1980, pp. 109-111; H. Achleitner, 'Johann Peter d. Ä. Schwanthaler (1720-1795)', Weltkunst, July 1992, pp. 1789-1791