Italian, Padua, early 16th century

the proper right hind leg and reverse of the base numbered: 177.48 in white ink and with a red label inscribed: GU480 and a white label inscribed #18 4-8-'95 to the underside

Sotheby's London, 10 December 1987, lot 30

Overall the condition of the bronze is good. There is some minor wear and dirt to the surface consistent with age. There is an area of stable casting fissures around the proper right shoulder. There is a lacuna due to a casting flaw or loss just under the collar at the front. The panther has three rods in its feet for mounting, two of which are slightly loose. The base has some scratches and nicks throughout. The stepped finial at the panther's rear end is slightly loose.
"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."

Weihrauch (op.cit.) illustrates a nearly identical statuette and a full discussion of the model can be found in Wixom (op.cit.). The 1987 catalogue includes the provenance: Pick, 1 January 1910 but it is unclear what this alludes to.

RELATED LITERATURE
H.R. Weihrauch, Europäische Bronzestatuetten. 15.-18. Jahrhundert, Braunschweich, 1967, pp. 54-55 and 59, fig. 58; W.D. Wixom, Renaissance bronze from Ohio collections, exh. cat. Cleveland Museum of Art, 1975, no. 30