An Italian marble relief of the Annunciate Virgin, by Gregorio di Lorenzo (circa 1436-circa 1504) circa 1485-90, Florence

Antichità Il Cartiglio, Florence

Medieval and Baroque Sculpture, Salander-O'Reilly Galleries, New York, 2005, cat. no. 14

A. Bellandi, Gregorio di Lorenzo: Il Maestro delle Madonne di Marmo, Switzerland, 2010, no. III.8.13 (illus.), p. 406

In fragmentary condition as shown in catalogue. Shallow areas of fill material on bridge of nose, center of forehead, center of proper right hand, and tip of proper right middle finger. Weathering and chipping to surface, some staining, needs cleaning. Minor red and black scuffs on outer edges.
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.

The present relief is carved with the characteristic features of the work of Gregorio di Lorenzo. The facial type, including the squarish jaw line and heavily lidded, downcast eyes as well as the numerous, narrow, parallel folds of drapery and the design of the Madonna's mantle, are details repeated throughout the sculptors oeuvre. The same crisp folds of the drapery and the design of the border on the Virgin's mantle can also be seen in a number of his sculptures, including a relief of the Madonna and Child in the Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York, circa 1465/70 (Bellandi, op. cit., III.1).