Attributed to Andrea Bregno (1418-1508) Italian, Rome, 15th century

Overall the condition of the marble is good with wear and minor dirt to the surface consistent with age. Christ's nose, part of his upper lip and his proper right thumb are restored. There is veining to the marble consistent with the material, including diagonal veins running across the background and Christ's proper left shoulder and chest. There is a dark spot of veining or an inclusion to the proper left side of the abdomen. There are a few losses, including to Christ's proper left index finger, the perizonium at the bottom edge, and to the proper left bottom corner. There are several minor chips and abrasions, including to the edges of the halo and to the outer edges of the relief, including a larger chip at the bottom edge.
"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."

Andrea Bregno was a pioneering figure during the Florentine and Venetian Renaissance. He held several high offices, including the supervision of the architecture at the Doge's Palace. Popes Paul II and Sixtus IV employed him in Rome. A closely related relief of Christ of similar dimensions is now in the Cappella Bocciata in the Vatican Grottoes. Candoglia marble is a rare material. In Old Saint Peter's, the altar of the Spear of Longinus was said to have been made of this stone.

RELATED LITERATURE
V. Lanzani, 'Le Grotte Vaticane', Roma Sacra, itinerary 26-27, Rome, 2003.