A Marble Figure of the Dresden Artemis, Roman Imperial , circa late 1st Century A.D./early 2nd Century A.D.

after a Greek original of the 4th Century B.C., perhaps by Praxiteles, the goddess standing on a trapezoidal base with the weight on her left leg and formerly pulling an arrow from her now lost quiver, and wearing sandals, peplos, and bandolier. The left forearm, once repaired, is now loose.

Frédéric Pollette, French consular agent at Porto Santo Stefano, excavated by him on his property in the mid-1880s
European family collection, since the early 20th Century
Canadian private collection since 1976

Étienne Michon, "Notes sur des fouilles faites à Porto San Stefano," Mélanges d'archéologie et d'histoire, vol. 9, 1889, pp. 285-286, illus.
Salomon Reinach, Répertoire de la statuaire grecque et romaine, vol. III, Paris, 1904, p. 94, no. 6

As shown, chips, losses, and abrasions overall, back is weathered in same way as proper right leg, surface otherwise very good with substantial remains of original polish. Missing right arm was carved separately and riveted with iron pin (part of it still extant) which has corroded, expanded, and broken off back of proper right shoulder and quiver, which are also now missing. Lower part of left forearm and hand (not illustrated), repaired at the wrist and with fingers missing, were once reattached and are now 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.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING CONDITION OF A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD "AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF SALE PRINTED IN THE CATALOGUE.

For the eponymous figure of Artemis in the Albertinum in Dresden and the attribution of the original to Praxiteles see L. Kahil, "Artemis," Lexicon Iconographicum Mythologiae Classicae, vol. II, Zurich and Munich, 1984, p. 637, no. 137, Alain Pasquier and J.-L. Martinez, eds., Praxitèle, Paris, 2007, no. 79. For a list of Roman versions see E.T. Egilmez, Darstellungen der Artemis als Jägerin aus Kleinasien, diss., Mainz, 1980, pp. 335-339.

On the circumstances of discovery of the present lot see the note to lot 34.