Attributed to Jacopo del Duca (1520-1604) After a model attributed to Michelangelo (1475-1564) Italian, Rome, late 16th century

Overall the condition of the bronze is good with minor dirt and wear to the surface consistent with age. There are holes in the hands and feet for the stigmata and a hole in the head for the crown of thorns. There is some rubbing to the high points, such as the knees, heels and thorax. There are a few very small fissures, in particular to the backs of the arms. There are a few small lacunae, including to below the buttocks and between the legs. There are two small holes at the proper right hip. There are some nicks to the inside proper right thigh. There are a few further very minor casting flaws. There is a small original plug in the proper right arm. The index fingers are a little bent.
"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 beautifully refined corpus has a delicate and serene character which contrasts with the more prevalent Mannerist corpora produced in Florence. Christ's anatomy is soft and peaceful, whilst his features are elegant and calm. Its ethereal feeling is further enhanced by the gilding.

The present model is attributed to Jacopo del Duca, the Sicilian born follower of Michelangelo, based on his master's design. The figure of Christ relates closely to that in the crucifixion scene on the bronze tabernacle in the Certosa di Padula in Campania, attributed to del Duca, and decorated with reliefs of the Passion of Christ. The inspiration for the Padula tabernacle is considered to be related to designs that Michelangelo made for a commission in Santa Mara degli Angeli in Rome. Significantly, however, the crucified Christ in the tabernacle is represented with his legs crossed and both feet nailed separately, as in related Michelangelo drawings and he has a perizonium. Several related bronzes are known with double nailed feet, but without perizonium. One of the most beautiful of these is that in the Museo Gomez Moreno in Granada and the most well known is that in the Metropolitan Museum of Art, together with bronzes of the two thieves.  This distinguishes the present corpus as a variant of this Michelangelesque model by del Duca conforming to the more traditional three nail crucifix.

RELATED LITERATURE
J. Montagu, Gold, silver and bronze. Metal sculpture of the Baroque Rome, New Haven and London, 1996, pp. 21-25