Filippino Lippi
Penitent Mary Magdalene adoring the True Cross in a rocky landscape
Estimate:
1,500,000
Filippino Lippi
Prato circa 1457 - 1504 Florence
Penitent Mary Magdalene adoring the True Cross in a rocky landscape
tempera grassa on panel, with a shaped top and a later engaged frame
painted surface: 25 ½ by 12 ¼ in.; 64.8 by 31.1 cm.
with engaged frame: 29 ½ by 16 ½ in.; 74.9 by 41.9 cm.
The following condition report has been provided by Matt Hayes of Pietro Edwards Society of Art Conservation, 336 West 37th Street, Suite 1580, New York, NY 10018, 212-457-8956, mh@edwards-society.com, an independent restorer who is not an employee of Sotheby's.
This painting presents well and is in sound condition. It has been capably restored and can be
displayed in its current state. Passages are in quite good condition: the sky, rocky landscape, and parts
of the foliage are all well preserved. There are no major losses, and just a small repair can be seen at
the lower edge. In the thinly-rendered glazed passages, such as the Magdalen's hair and parts of the
trees, the paint has been worn somewhat. Retouching, very finely done, compensates for this. Traces
of gilding are present articulating the saint's halo. The varnish is clear, with an even, moderate gloss.
The panel preserves its original thickness. It has a slight convex curvature, but this in no way
disturbs the appreciation of the image. Scattered holes on the back indicate the sometime presence of
woodworm, but this is no longer active. The panel has what may be an original engaged frame, which
has been augmented with a second, outer molding. The framing elements are in generally good state,
with normal wear and losses typical of a work of this age.
"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."
Franz Xaverius Gustav Maria Graf von Ingenheim, Reisewitz (1846 - 1919) acquired 4 February 1898 (according to label on reverse);
Thence by descent to Harald Graf von Ingenheim, Starnberg bei München (1892 - 1978);
From whom acquired by Julius Böhler & Co, Munich, 21 February 1952 (stock #5-52);
From whom acquired by M. Knoedler & Co., New York, 26 March 1952 (stock #4851);
From whom acquired by Denys Sutton (1917 - 1991), 2 January 1964, and by descent;
By whom sold, New York, Christie’s, 26 January 2005, lot 65;
There acquired.
P. Zambrano and J.K. Nelson, Filippino Lippi, Milan 2004, pp. 178, 324-325, cat. no. 18, reproduced fig. 170;
J.K. Nelson in D. Arasse, ed., Botticelli e Filippino: L'inquietudine e la grazia nella pittura fiorentina del Quattrocento, exhibition catalogue, Florence 2004, pp. 304-06, no. 59;
J.K. Nelson, "Maddalena ritrovata. L'apparizione' di due Maddalence di Filippino Lippi," Art e Dossier, no. 199, April 2004, pp. 42-47;
A.S. Melikian-Chirvani, "Pricing the Old Masters," International Herald Tribune, 5-6 February 2005, p. 9;
G.J. van der Sman, ed., Ghirlandaio y el Renacimiento en Florencia, Madrid 2010, exhibition catalogue, no. 59, p. 224, reproduced in color p. 225.
Paris, Musée du Luxembourg; Florence, Palazzo Strozzi, Botticelli e Filippino: L'inquietudine e la grazia nella pittura fiorentina del Quattrocento, 1 October 2003 - 22 February 2004, no. 59;
New York, Metropolitan Museum of Art, September - December 2006, on loan;
Madrid, Museum Thyssen-Bornemisza, Ghirlandaio y el Renascimiento en Florencia, 23 June - 10 October 2010, no. 59.