Italian, circa 1500

Overall, the condition of the stucco is good, with some dirt and wear to the surface consistent with age. There appear to be some areas of restoration, in particular the lower edge has been strengthened by the addition of stucco. The edges of some of the Virgin's drapery at the head seem to be restored and have subsequently flaked, and there are also some stable fissures here. There are multiple paint layers, probably of different ages, to the surface. The painted surface overall has chipped and flaked but is stable. It appears to have been consolidated in areas, particularly to Virgin's proper right cheek, forehead, and nose, and to Christ's forehead and chest. There is dirt to the crevices in particular. The back may have been strengthened with a layer of stucco overall. There are certainly some later layers of stucco in particular at the bottom, behind the Virgin's chest and head, where there are hooks. There is particular wear to the polychromy at the Virgin's headdress. There may be some small losses to some of the Virgin's fingers at the 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."

This beautiful stucco relief with the Virgin and Child recalls the celebrated Madonna and Child models created by Donatello. Compare in particular with the Verona Madonna, named after a stucco on the corner of the Via delle Fogge in Verona, and which exists in various versions including one in the Victoria and Albert Museum, London (Darr, op. cit., no. 15). The model is believed to have been executed during Donatello's Paduan period. It is possible that, like the Verona Madonna, the present stucco has a Northern Italian origin.

RELATED LITERATURE
A. Darr (ed.), Italian Renaissance Sculpture in the Time of Donatello, exh. cat. Detroit Institute of Arts, Detroit, 1985, no. 15, pp. 110-111