Attributed to Andrea SANSOVINO (1460-1529) - Lot 45

Attributed to Andrea SANSOVINO (1460-1529) EXCEPTIONAL FOLLOWING SET OF FOUR PROPHETS in carved basswood, hollowed-out backs with remnants of monochrome and black inscriptions. Two of them are identified by their parchment, Haggai et veniet desideratus cunctis gentibus" (Haggai 2:6-9) and Jeremiah "et suscitabo David germen justum" (Jeremiah 23:5). Italy, late 15th century H. 180 to 190 cm (accidents and missing parts, wormholes and old restorations) A report drawn up by the doctor Clizia d'Apice may be made available to the buyer. Andrea Sansovino is principally known for his works in marble, but he also created sculptures in wood, although none are truly attributed to him. The main source relating his life is carefully recorded in Giorgio Vasari's Vite. In it, he states that Andrea Sansovino created an altar for King John II of Portugal: "Fece anco un altare a quell re, di legno intagliato, dentrovi alcuni Profeti" (a carved wooden altar with a few prophets). According to Vasari, Sansovino spent nine years in Portugal. Sources l - Clizia d'Apice's restoration report - Andrew Butterfield, "'A Virgin and child' attributed to Andrea Sansovino", The Burlington Magazine, CLII, November, 2010, p. 723, note 2. - Giorgio Vasari, Le Vite de' più eccenllenti pittori, scultori ed architettori, ed. G. Milanesi, Florence, 1906, IV, p. 513. Provenance l Collection of a couple of antiquarians from their property in the hinterland of Nice. Expert l Laurence Fligny