Circle of Johann Peter Schwanthaler the Elder (1720-1795) Austrian, Innviertel, third quarter 18th century

the back of the cross and the underside of Mary Magdalene each with a label inscribed respectively: 7/a and: 44...

Overall the condition of the group is good, with some wear and dirt to the surface consistent with age. There is some stable splitting to the wood consistent with the material, notably slightly open splits running down the bodies of Mary Magdalene, Saint John, and the Virgin, and to God the Father's proper right shoulder and the clouds. A few sections, such as the arms of Christ, are carved separately and joints are slightly visible. It appears that some of the fingers of Mary Magdalene and Saint John have been restored. There also appears to be a restoration to the knot of Christ's perizonium. The dove has been reattached. There are a few small chips, including to the edges of St John's drapery. The haloes are probably a later addition. The ebonised wood bases and cross are in good condition, with some dirt and wear, in particular to the cross.
"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 highly agitated Crucifixion group shows some striking similarities to the work of the famous Schwanthaler dynasty of sculptors, and in particular that of Johann Peter Schwanthaler the Elder. Compare the busy drapery with cavernous depressions in his group of the Virgin and Saint Anne (op. cit., fig. 57), and his figure of Saint Sebastian (op. cit., fig. 58), whose anatomy shares features with the Christ in the present group.

RELATED LITERATURE
Die Bildhauerfamilie Schwanthaler, 1633-1848: Vom Barock zum Klassizismus, exh. cat. Augustinerchorherrenstift, Reichersberg am Inn, Linz, 1974