Attributed to Lupo di Francesco (recorded 1315-1336) Italian, Pisa, circa 1336-1343

Cathedral of San Lorenzo, Genoa, installed by 1344 - removed circa 1614 or in the 19th century;
private collection, Switzerland

The head is a fragment, and consequently the surfaces are jagged at the back. There is general wear to the surface. There are some losses, notably to the tops of the mitre, to the nose, to the proper right cheekbone, and the hair on the proper right side of the head. There is minor veining to the marble consistent with the material, in particular to the forehead. There is some dirt to the marble, including to the proper left eyebrow, to the proper right eye and to the mouth. 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."

This head comes from a figure wearing a chasuble and carrying a bishop's staff framed by a lozenge-shaped relief today preserved in the Museo Diocesano in Genoa. The relief is associated with the dismembered monument to Cardinal Luca Fieschi, formerly in Genoa cathedral, thought to have been carved by a group of sculptors including the Pisan artist Lupo di Francesco, a collaborator of Tino di Camaino. It seems that the tomb was drastically reduced in size around 1614 and removed from the cathedral in the 19th century. Most fragments are divided between the Museo Diocesano and the Museo Sant' Agostino in Genoa, however, some sections from the tomb can also be found in the Museum of Fine Arts in Boston and in a Genoese private collection (see Di Fabio, op.cit., figs. 12 and 17)

RELATED LITERATURE
C. Di Fabio, 'Gli scultori del monumento del cardinale Luca Fieschi nella cattedrale di Genova. Presisazioni e proposte', Bollettino d'arte VII, 2009, pp. 263-288