Early Classic New Mexican Polychrome Wood Bulto, depicting Our Lady of Saint John of the Lakes, Probably Antonio Molleno or Laguna School

wood, gessoed cloth, pigments.

Stanley and Linda Marcus Collection
Sold Sotheby's New York, December 1998, lot 6
Mark Birner Collection, Denver CO, acquired from the above

Overall the bulto is in good, stable condition with typical wear from age including abrasion, pigment/gesso loss and accumulation of dust. There is a hairline crack at the neck; it's unclear whether the head was broken off and re-attached but black-lighting does not show significant restoration so could just be crackling of the gesso. There is minor over paint and infill on the skirt, and face, but less than 5% overall. A piece of painted gesso at the waist, about 1 1/2in. width by 1 in. height, has come loose and been re-attached.
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.

Reference: Frank, 1986, pp. 76-75, pls. 38-39; Wroth, 1982, p. 76, pl. 32; E. Boyd, 1974, p. 387, pl. 30.