Italian, Venice, first half 16th century

Overall the condition of the marble is good. There is dirt and some wear consistent with age. There are remnants of paint around the truncation and in the hair at the back of the neck. There is a further stain to the side of Medusa's mouth and at her temple on the proper right side. There is some naturally occurring variegation and veining visible on the surface of the marble including along the left side of the face and in the neck. There are chips to the truncation and to the shoulder of the proper left wing and some further minor nicks and scratches. The head does not appear to be a fragment as it is rounded at the truncation. There is wear to the paint on the base and there are several dents around the lower edge. Wax has splashed over the foot.
"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."

The iconography of Athena wearing the flayed face of the Gorgon Medusa in her hair is a rare one that seldom appears in Western Art. The most notable precedent is an early 2^nd century BC Hellenistic bronze medallion bust in the Thessaloniki Museum (inv. no. 17540), currently being exhibited in the Musée du Louvre exhibition, In the Kingdom of Alexander the Great: Ancient Macedonia. Close stylistic and conceptual similarities can be noted between the two, particularly in the facial features of Medusa, with her deep v-shaped eyebrows and open mouth. Medusa's face sits in Athena's hair in an analogous manner, whilst Athena's neck and face are placed at the same angle as in the present bust.

RELATED LITERATURE
P. A. Veleni, Macedonia-Thessaloniki: from the exhibits of the Archeological Museum, Athens, 2009, fig. 92