Circle of Giovanni Antonio Dosio (1533-1609), Italian, probably Rome, circa 1600

The surface of the marble is weathered and it has been repolished. There is dirt and wear to the surface consistent with age. There are a few chips and scratches to the marble, in particular at the edges of the coat. There is a loss to the beard at the front. There is veining to the marble throughout, consistent with the material. There are naturally occurring inclusions throughout. There are a few stable hairline cracks, including one to the middle of the chest and a few to the reverse. The nose and collar have been restored. There is a hole on the underside of the bust.
"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 bust relates to the work of Giovanni Antonio Dosio, the Tuscan sculptor who was active in Rome, where he worked alongside Gugliemo della Porta and was in close contact with Michelangelo. Note in particular his bust of Annibale Caro, which compares in the treatment of the beard and mouth and has a similar furrowed brow (Valone, op. cit., p. 534, fig. 6.)

RELATED LITERATURE
C. Valone, 'Giovanni Antonio Dosio: The Roman Years,' in The Art Bulletin, Vol. 58, No. 4 (Dec., 1976), pp. 528-541