Italian, Tuscany, late 15th century

private collection, Germany;
private collection, Switzerland, from 2008

There is veining to the marble consistent with material throughout and there are also small naturally occurring inclusions. A few very small inclusions/ chips have been filled, including to the face. The nose is restored. The Child's feet are reattached. Both index fingers and the proper right thumb are reattached. There is a large restored section at the Child's buttocks and to his groin and genitals. There are some small losses and restorations to the toes. There are some orange marks to the surface, chiefly to the back. It is possible that the proper left arm may be reattached and is ingeniously restored. There are a few small chips to the chin. Otherwise the condition is stable.
"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 joyous expression of the present putto emulates Renaissance masterpieces such as the Laughing Child by Desiderio da Settignano in the Kunsthistorisches Museum in Vienna (inv. no. 9104) and the Christ Child of the terracotta Virgin and Child by Antonio Rosselino in the Victoria and Albert Museum (inv. no. 4495-1858). The latter sculptor put similar frivolous standing putti holding garlands atop the Nativity Altar of the Piccolomini chapel in the S. Anna dei Lombardi in Naples in 1475. It is likely that the present putto had a similar function.

RELATED LITERATURE
C. Hill (ed.), 15^th & 16^th century sculpture in Italy. Part 9. Naples. 15^th century sculpture, London, 1979, fig. 2/9/21; M. Bormand, B. Paolozzi Strozzi, and N. Penny (eds.), Desiderio da Settignano. Sculpteur de la Renaissance Florentine, exh. cat. Musée du Louvre, Paris, pp. 164-167, no. 9