Lot 183: A TERRACOTTA GROUP DEPICTING THE CIRCUMCISION OF CHRIST

BY GIUSEPPE MARIA MAZZUOLI (1727-1781), June, 1779
Depicting the Virgin presenting the infant Christ to a priest standing at a table, flanked by St. Joseph and an attendant; signed and dated to the reverse 'JUN. 1779' and 'JOS. MAR. MAZ: F.'; on an integrally modelled plinth; traces of polychromy in the recesses; minor losses
10 1/2 in. (26.7 cm.) high

Giuseppe Maria Mazzuoli was a member of the Sienese family of sculptors who carried the baroque tradition of sculpture well into the 18th century. The delicate, but still voluminous folds of drapery - evident in particular on the Virgin and St. Joseph - could easily be mistaken for the work of someone active two generations earlier were it not for the very precise date inscribed on the reverse of the group.

The circumcision of Christ, performed when he was a week old, was considered to be of significance as the first occasion that Christ's blood was shed.

No VAT will be charged on the hammer price, but VAT at 17.5% will be added to the buyer's premium, which is invoiced on a VAT inclusive basis.