Lot 167: JACOBUS AGNESIUS (ACTIVE SECOND QUARTER 17TH CENTURY) ITALIAN OR SOUTH GERMAN, CIRCA 1640 | Cristo Vivo

signed: IACO...S. A...S ...VENS..., the titulus inscribed: INRI; flanked by South Netherlandish late 17th-century ivory figures of the Virgin and Saint John the Evangelist

Corpus: 49cm., 19¼in.<br />Virgin: 27.3cm., 10 3/4 in.<br />St John: 27.7cm., 10 7/8 in.<br />crucifix and base: 102cm., 40 1/8 in. overall.

ivory, on an associated ebonised wood cross and base with a glazed reliquary holder and ivory mounts

Overall the condition of the ivory corpus is very good with minor dirt and wear to the surface consistent with age. The proper right little finger is lost. There is stable splitting to the ivory throughout, consistent with the material, chiefly running from the top to the bottom through the body of Christ. Some of the splits have darkened with age and dirt. There are a few small losses to the ropes of the perizonium at Christ's proper right hip and at his lower back. The corpus is composed in sections, and joints are visible. The joints at the arms are slightly open. A piece of the perizonium on the proper right side is carved separately, and there is a slightly open but stable joint. There are also two original plugs in this section of the drapery. There is a small original ivory peg in the back of Christ's head. There is notable dirt, in particular to the crevices and to the back of the corpus. The signature is rubbed and is partially legible. There are a few small abrasions, and there are a few specks of paint or dirt. The ivory terminals from the cross are lost. The title plaque appears to be reattached. There is a split running through the left arm of the cross. The ebony altarpiece base is in good condition, with dirt and wear consistent with age, including minor stable splitting consistent with the material. There are a few small chips and abrasions, particularly to the edges and corners. A piece of ebony inlay to the right of Mary is lost. There is very minor worming to the wood consistent with the material. The skull of Golgotha is lost. The accompanying ivory figures are in good condition with minor stable splitting to the ivory, consistent with the material, including to St John's face. There are a few small chips and abrasions, particularly to St John's drapery at his proper left shoulder at the back. St John's proper right hand is carved separately and is a little loose. The figures would have had halos which are now lost, and there are holes to the tops of the heads.
"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."