Crucifixion with Saint John & the Virgin

This powerful scene of the Crucifixion is likely to have been made at the beginning of the 14th century in Verona – although other Italian cities could be possible. The static composition, the long form of Christ’s perizonium and the large nimbus are details that help denote such a date and locale.

Comparison can be drawn with an example that was sold at Sotheby’s Milan in October 2009 (Lot 31). Strong similarities include Saint John’s gaze out to the worshipper which is style more associated with Veronese reliefs – it is seen in the Crucifixion relief on the facade of the Basilica of San Zeno in Verona.

Patinated bronze figural candelabra

These bronze candelabra bases are reminiscent of the work of Gian Lorenzo Bernini (notably the Triton Fountain in the Piazza Barberini, the Fontana del Moro in the Piazza Navona, amongst others). However a more immediate source of comparison would appear to have been an Italian bronze of the late 17th or early 18th century belonging to the Royal Architect Sir William Chambers. From surviving correspondence it is clear that Chambers lent this bronze to Josiah Wedgwood in 1769, and later it seems to have been passed into the Torlonia Collection in Rome . Now untraced, there is a related example is in the collection of the Art Institute of Chicago.

After August Karl Eduard Kiss

The bronze original of this work, completed by Kiss in 1842, now graces the terrace at the entrance to the Altes Museum on Museum Island, in the Mitte borough of Berlin.

Reproductions in marble and also bronze have appeared at auction from time to time including Sotheby’s London, European Sculpture & Works of Art 900-1900, 9th July 2002, lot 158; Sotheby’s London, European Sculpture & Works of Art 900-1900, 16th April 2002, lot 218; Kunsthaus Lempertz, Auction 1030 – The Berlin Sale, 24th May 2014, lot 314; and Grisebach GmbH, Germany, Auction 257: Orangerie Selected Objects, 2nd June 2016, lot 317.

AUCTION DATE & LOCATION

Wednesday 25 June | 10.30am

Donnington Priory, Newbury, Berkshire, RG14 2JE

VIEWING

Friday 21 June: 10am-4pm

Sunday 23 June: 10am-2pm

Monday 24 June: 9am-5.30pm

Day of sale: from 8.30am

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