Circle of Christoph Daniel Schenck (1633-1691) Southern German, last quarter 17th century

Overall the condition of the group is good with minor dirt and wear to the surface consistent with age. Christ's arms are carved separately and the joints are slightly open. There is also an open joint at Mary Magdalene's proper right wrist, and there is some glue residue around her proper left hand and the cross. There are a few small losses, including to Christ's proper right little finger, Mary Magdalene's toes on her proper left foot, and to some of the edges of the drapery, including to Magdalene and St John, and to the Virgin's veil. There is minor stable splitting to the wood consistent with the material. There is wear to the polychromy on the terrasse and the base, and there is some evidence of past worming. A section at the top of the cross is left unpainted, and there may have been a plaque which is now lost.
"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 dramatic Crucifixion group relates to the work of the Konstanz sculptor Christoph Daniel Schenck and his circle. Compare the slender forms of Schenck's crucified Christs, such as the one in Weissenau (op. cit., no. 75), as well as a crucifix attributed to his circle (op. cit., no. 82), whose face and hair show stylistic similarities to the St John in the present group.

RELATED LITERATURE
Christoph Daniel Schenck, 1633-1691, exh. cat. Württembergisches Landesmuseum, Stuttgart (et al.), Sigmaringen, 1996