Lot 341
- 341
An Italian Gilt Bronze, Silver and Enamel Processional Cross, Attributed to Antonio Salvi (1450-1527), Second Half 15th Century, Florence
Estimate
30,000 - 50,000 USD
bidding is closed
Description
- Enamelled and silver gilt
- 22 by 13 3/4 in.; 56 by 34 cm.
Condition
Some rubbing to gilding overall. Silver quatrefoil plaque lacking at top cross terminal, losses and some restoration to enamel on remaining plaques, particularly the face and halo of the figure on the right plaque and most of the enamel from the bottom plaque. Tenon remaining on head of Christ for now lacking halo. Silver rays and acanthus leaves between cross terminals are loose but stable.
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.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING CONDITION OF A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD "AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF SALE PRINTED IN THE CATALOGUE.
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.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING CONDITION OF A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD "AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF SALE PRINTED IN THE CATALOGUE.
Catalogue Note
The present cross has been atrributed by Guiseppe Cantelli of the University of Siena to the Florentine goldsmith Antonio Salvi, a pupil of Antonio Pollaiuolo. He is best known for his reliquaries of St. Gerome and St. Anthony Abbott in the Museo dell' Opera del Duomo, Florence and for a pax now in the Bargello. The model for the figure of Christ, which recalls the compact anatomy of Masaccio's famous corpus, continued to be used in the workshops of Florentine goldsmiths as evidenced by a figure dated 1584, now in the church of San Lorenzo in Bovecchio in Barberino di Mugello.
The combination of enamelled silver mounts (some enamel restored), parcel gilt silver 𒅌and finely engraved gilt bronze, give this cross a luxurious appearance.
Related Literature
A. Paolucci, 'Le opere d'arte', in La comunità cristiana fiorentia e tuscana della dialettica religiosa del Cinquecento (exh. cat.), Florence, 1980, no. 56, pp. 231-232
G. Cantelli, Storia dell'oreficeria e dell'arte tessile in Toscana, Florence, 1996, fig. 2, p. 185