North Italian, probably Venice, 16th century

inscribed: HIC EST PLVS QVAM PROPHETA, DE QVO SALVATOR AIT: NVLLVS MAIOR INTER NATOS MVLIERVM PARAVIT VIAM DOMINI ET PLEBEN PERFETAN  and F.A.D. MDXXVI D.M.F.

with Galerie Bresset, Paris, early 2000s;
private collection, London

Overall the condition of the wood is good, with wear and dirt to the surface consistent with age, including dust in the crevices. A lacquer has been applied to the wood throughout. There is wear to the carvings due to rubbing. There are a few minor losses, including to Saint John the Baptist's halo, and to a section of the foliate decoration on the right side. There is some stable splitting to the wood consistent with the material, notably to the panels. There is a small loss to the bottom left corner of the panel with the Virgin and Child and the Young Saint John. The lid is carved in sections and some of the joins are slightly open but stable. The figure of Saint John the Baptist is very slightly loose.
"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."