Lot 59
  • 59

After models attributed to Massimiliano Soldani-Benzi (1656-1740), Italian, Florence, 18th century

Estimate
20,000 - 30,000 GBP
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Description

  • Pair of busts of a faun and a moustachioed man
  • bronze
  • Italian, Florence, 18th century

Condition

Overall the condition of the bronze is good. There is wear and some dirt to the surface consistent with age with some spillages of black and white paint to the drapery of the moustachioed man. Both bust have areas of greening in the crevices. There are several nicks and scratches to both busts particularly in the smooth areas on the proper left side of the chest and to the moustachioed man's nose. Both busts have lost their bases: the moustachioed man has an integral rod for mounting whereas the faun's is spearately cast and mounted from the insed using two circular pins. The former has a stable fissure at its base, the latter rod is broken at the truncation. Both figures have a circular hole at the back of the neck; that of the faun is patched with a pin.
"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."

Catalogue Note

Another pair of casts of these busts from Schloss Pommersfelden near Nuremberg was attributed to Soldani by Weihrauch (op. cit.). In 2008 a further set of supposed French origin was with Tomasso Brothers Fine Art.

RELATED LITERATURE
H. R. Weihrauch, review of K. Lankheit, Florentiner Barockplastik, Pantheon, November-December 1963, pp. 338-39, figs. 3-4; Scultura, exh. cat. Tomasso Brothers Fine Art, Leeds, 2008, pp. 104-105, no. 27