Circle of Gasparo Cairano da Milano (circa 1489-1517) Northern Italian, Lombardy, circa 1500

Overall the condition of the marble is good, with some wear to the surface consistent with age and dirt throughout. There are a few chips and abrasions at the high points including to some drapery around the proper left elbow and the proper left knee, and to the toes. There are larger chips to the bottom edge of the terrasse. There is some rubbing, including to the proper left eye. The stone figure does not stand up by itself without the support of the base. The base is in good condition with some wear and naturally occurring knots in the wood. A section at the bottom at the back is carved separately.
"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 beautiful figure of the Virgin in Prayer is carved in the style of Lombard sculptors operating in the circle of Giovanni Antonio Amadeo (circa 1447-1522). The composition of the marble is very close to the work of Gasparo Cairano da Milano (active 1487-1517), which is characterised by an expressive realism complemented by classical elements. Similar female figures by Cairano can be found on the portal of Sant’Apollonio in the cathedral in Brescia, as well as on a marble altar from the Kress collection now in the National Gallery in Washington (inv. no. K.123).

RELATED LITERATURE
V. Zani, Gasparo Cairano e la scultura monumentale del Rinascimento a Brescia (1489-1517 ca.), Ph.D. thesis, Universita degli Studi a Milano, 2004