WORKSHOP OF FRANCESCO DI SIMONE FERRUCCI, A POLYCHROME STUCCO RELIEF OF THE VIRGIN AND CHILD

WORKSHOP OF FRANCESCO DI SIMONE FERRUCCI (1437-1493), A POLYCHROME STUCCO RELIEF OF THE VIRGIN AND CHILD ITALIAN, LATE 15TH OR EARLY 16TH CENTURY Three-quarter length portrait of The Virgin, holding the Child in her arms, in walnut frame decorated with gilt-polychrome and inscribed to lower frieze 'Ave Maria Gratia Plena Do', below the escutcheon of the Franzesi Rinaldeschi family approximately 135 x 77cm Literature: E.Benezit, Le dictionnaire des peintres, sculpteurs, dessinateurs et graveurs. Maestro e Botteghe, pittura a Firenze, alle fine del Quattrocento p.149, 150. As with the example held in the Victoria and Albert Museum (Accession number 7622-1861) this is a stucco squeeze (or cast) probably cast from a terracotta or marble. The V&A example retains the architectural setting (and later 16th century base design)of Ferrucci's marble relief in the Palazzo Communale at Solarolo (near Ravenna), which was originally housed in the Rocca of Solarolo. This example is slightly pared back focusing on the primary image but shares the same composition, scrolling chair arm, fingers placement of her right hand over the standing child's right leg, and broad brushstrokes of clothing design. It lacks the oval medallion or brooch and her head is tilted fractionally less open- closer to an example in terracotta sold Sotheby's London, Old Master Sculpture and Works of Art, 10th July 2014 lot 174. Condition Report: The whole with characteristic wear, losses and retouching as is typical for an object of this period and size. Under natural light diagonal crack running from middle of lower margin of plaque up through her right hand and across mid body of child. Old inset damage and losses to wooden frame and signs of later strengthening to painted details. Under UV light the majority of the painted surface showing signs of later remedial retouching. All three carved elements reattached. Please see additional images. Condition Report Disclaimer