Circle of Bertel Thorvaldsen (1768-1844) Italian or Danish, first half 19th century

Overall the condition of the marble is good. There is some wear and dirt to the surface consistent with age, with some particular dirt in the crevices around the hair. There is some naturally occurring veining visible, including around the shoulders, around the proper right temple and above the proper left eye. There are a few naturally occurring inclusions to the marble including one to the proper right shoulder, to both sides of the neck, under the proper left eye and to the jaw at the proper left side.
"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 fine bust compares with the idealised portrait busts of young women by Bertel Thorvaldsen and his circle, particularly in the treatment of the hair; compare, for example, with Thorvaldsen's Wilhelmine Benigna Biron, duchessa di Sagan of 1818 (Majo et al, op. cit. pp. 117-8, no. 42). There is also a similarity with busts by Rudolf Schadow, see, for example, his Vittoria Caldoni in the Kurpfälzisches Museum, Heidelberg (inv. no. PS 89).

RELATED LITERATURE
E. di Majo, B. Jornaes and S. Susinno (eds.), Bertel Thorvaldsen 1770-1844. Scultore danese a Roma, exhib. cat. Galleria Nazionale d’Arte, Rome, 1988, pp. 117-8, no. 42; G. Eckardt, Ridolfo Schadow. Ein Bildhauer in Rom zwischen Klassizismus und Romantik, Cologne, 2000, pp. 122-3, no. WVZ 55.1