MEXICAN, 17TH CENTURY | Saint Francis of Assisi

Overall, the condition of the wood is good, with some dirt and wear to the surface consistent with age. There is some evidence of past worming, in particular to the tie on the Saint's belt, where there are some losses due to the worming. There is a further minor loss to the tip of the proper left index finger. There is some stable splitting to the wood, consistent with the material, including a few slightly open, but stable splits, running vertically from the Saint's proper left shoulder down to the bottom of the drapery. There are a further slightly open but stable splits to the fold of drapery on the Saint's proper right hand side, and to the back at the centre. There are a few holes to the top of the head where a halo would have been attached, which is now lost. There is general wear and minor flaking to the gilding and polychromy, in particular to the high points of the drapery. There are splashes of residue, probably glue, in particular to the back to the lower half of the drapery.
"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."

RELATED LITERATURE
O. Paz, Mexico: Splendors of Thirty Centuries, cat. Metropolitan Museum of Art, 1990, pp. 323-326, 342-344, 374-376, nos. 140, 147, 156-157