Italian, circa 1900 After the Antique

Overall, the condition of the marble is very good, with minor dirt and wear to the surface consistent with age. The index finger and the two middle fingers of the proper right hand are reattached. The tail has been reattached. There are a number of slightly visible scratches to Bacchus' abdomen. There is minor veining to the marble, consistent with the material, including to Bacchus' buttocks and proper left arm. There are a few further minor scratches, including to the proper right foot and strut. There are minor chips and abrasions around the terrasse. The front right corner of the terrasse is carved separately and possibly reattached. There are dirt marks, in particular to the terrasse at the back. There are some minor paint marks to the back of the terrasse.
"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."

This impressive marble is after an Antique group of a Satyr with the Infant Dionysus in the collection of the Museo archeologico nazionale in Naples, formerly part of the Farnese Collection which was moved to Naples in 1787. An engraving from circa 1540-50 in the British Museum entitled Silenus with the Infant Bacchus, also formerly part of the Farnese collection, shows the group with a slightly different arrangement of the figures (inv. no. Y,6.304). There Silenus grasps Bacchus’ outstretched left arm and carries a bunch of grapes in his right. The model was edited by the Neapolitan foundry Sabatino de Angelis and a bronze version is at Hatchlands Park, Surrey. The present group is a rare, lifesize copy in marble.

RELATED LITERATURE
P. Monaco, Specimens from the Naples Museum, Naples, 1895, pl. 46