Italian, 19th Century

Overall the condition of the marble is very good. There is some wear and dirt consistent with age. There are veins visible at the right tassel on the front of the cushion and on the scroll at the end of the dog and there are some minor inclusions consistent with material. The hilt of the dagger has broken off and there are some chips to the edges of the scroll, the lock of hair on the dog's head and the wreath. There are large chips to the edges of the book particularly at the side of the head of the dog.
"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 white marble carving of a King Charles spaniel reclining in stately luxury upon a tapestry cushion represents an allegory of Justice. Beneath the tasselled cushion are scrolls and emblems, and the finely carved surface is ennobled with an erudite inscription.

Even such well-established Italian marble carvers as Giovanni Battista Lombardi were not above employing their verismo techniques on portraits of animals, and indeed Lombardi numbers several depictions of dogs within his oeuvre. The present spaniel belongs to that same genre, as all the characteristics of the breed are finely observed.