Marco Palmezzano

Private collection, Italy;
With Cesare Lampronti S.R.L., Rome, in 2010.

Federico Zeri et al., Arte Emiliana dalle raccolte storiche al nuovo collezionismo, Modena 1989, p. 23, cat. no. 7.

Single panel which is flat stable and uncradled. There are a few scattered retouches throughout the composition, applied mainly for reinforcements, and these are located in the chest of Christ, in the white flag, and within his forehead. There is a larger area of retouching along His left cheek and in the area just below the flag. These retouches are applied well, and the picture could be hung in its current state. The varnish also appears fresh and does not need to be immediately replaced. In a carved giltwood frame.
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.

This Salvator Mundi is the only painting of this subject by Marco Palmezzano known to survive today.  The painting was likely executed shortly after the artist's move to Venice, where he is recorded from 1495.  The face of the blessing Christ is reminiscent of Saint John the Baptist in Palmezzano's altarpiece, Madonna and Child Enthroned with Saints John the Baptist, Peter, Dominic and Mary Magdalene, now in the Pinacoteca di Brera, Milan (inv. no. 202), which is signed and dated 1493.¹

1.  See F. Panzavolta in A. Paolucci et al., Marco Palmezzano, il Rinascimento nelle Romagne, exhibition catalogue, Milan 2005, p. 196, cat. no. 8, reproduced pp. 197-199, Saint John the Baptist reproduced in detail p. 198.