French or Italian, 18th/ 19th century After a model by Giambologna (1529-1608)

on a marble socle

Overall the condition of the bronze is very good. There is some minor wear consistent with age. There is a slight nick to the bronze on Venus' nose. Thee are some traces of glue at the joint between the bronze and the black marble base. The marble of the base is slightly tarnished and has some minor chips, particularly at the back corner on Venus' proper right side.
"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."

A lifetime signed cast of Giambologna's Woman Bathing is in the collection of the Kunsthistorisches Museum, Vienna. The nude is generally regarded as an early work within his oeuvre. Without allegorical accoutrements, Giambologna simply presents an idealised nude.

The present cast is a copy of the enduringly popular original model, which is also known as the Cesarini Venus after its marble version. The curly folds of the towel are amongst the elements, which differ more markedly from Giambologna's original model.

RELATED LITERATURE
C. Avery and A. Radcliffe, Giambologna 1529-1608: Sculptor to the Medici, exh. cat. Victoria and Albert Museum, London, 1978, p. 62, no. 1