Italian, Florence, circa 1720-1730

Overall the condition of the relief is good, with some wear and minor dirt to the surface consistent with age. There is some stable splitting to the wood consistent with the material, which has also led to some stable fissures in the gilding. There are some slightly open but stable splits, including to the Virgin's veil and neck. There is minor wear to the gilding, which reveals the red ground in a few areas, notably the curtain on the left. There is a wood support with a metal hook mounted to the back at the top.
"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 impressive gilt wood relief depicts a subject particular to Tuscany - the Ascension of Joseph, the saint who was elevated in 1719 by Cosimo III de' Medici as the protector and spiritual governor of the Grand Duchy. A similar subject and composition are found in a relief with the Death of Saint Joseph of circa 1720 by Massimilano Soldani-Benzi, while further comparisons with works by Giuseppe Piamontini and Giovan Battista Foggini place the present relief within these sculptors' Florentine milieu.

RELATED LITERATURE
G. Pratesi, Repertorio della Scultura fiorentina del Seicento e Settecento, Turin, 1993; Il fasto e la ragione: Arte del Settecento a Firenze, exh. cat. Galleria degli Uffizi, Florence, 2009, pp. 208-209

An expertise by dott. Riccardo Spinelli is available upon request.