Portuguese, probably Aveiro, circa 1700

Overall, the condition of the terracotta is very good, with minor dirt and wear to the surface consistent with age. The object is made in sections, the bedstead is made separately and attached to the bed, and the Christ Child probably also. There are a few small chips, including to the lower edges. The polychromy appears old and is probably original. There may have been later paint layers which have been removed. There is general wear to the polychromy, including some small chips to the flesh tones of the infant Christ and the putti. There is wear to some of the faces of the seraphim. There are a few small chips to some of the feet of the putti. There is a coating of plaster or slip to the interior.
"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 charming group represents the Infant Christ reclining holding the skull of Golgotha in a foreboding reference to the Crucifixion. The exuberant Baroque bed covered with figurative and decorative adornment from putti and seraphim to festoons and shells, finds a strong parallel in the artistic language seen in the great gilt wood altarpiece from the Igreja de Jesus, Mosteiro de Jesus in Aveiro in Northern Portugal.

RELATED LITERATURE
A. Nogueira Gonçalves, Inventário artístico de Portugal. X, Distrito de Aveiro: Zona do Norte, Lisbon, 1981