Circle of Massimiliano Soldani Benzi (1656-1740) After Jacopo Sansovino (1486-1570) Italian, Florence, 18th century

Overall the condition of the bronze is good with some minor wear and dirt to the surface consistent with age. There are some remnants of an old dark lacquer. There are a few minor nicks, including to the knees, inside of the proper left thigh, the proper right forearm, proper left hand and edges of the dish.
"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 bronze Bacchus compares closely with another bronze of Sansovino's model, which was attributed to the workshop of Soldani and sold at Christie's on 15 May 1984, lot 156. The wreath of vine leaves, hair and the bunches of grapes held by Bacchus are beautifully chased after casting. Together with the traces of a rose-gold patina in some of the crevices, such high quality workmanship indicates that the bronze was made by a talented bronze caster close to Soldani, who is known to have produced statuettes of the model (Lankheit, op. cit., p. 198).

RELATED LITERATURE
K. Lankheit, 'Eine serie Barocker antiken -nachbildungen aus der werkstatt des Massimiliano Soldani', Mitteilungen des Deutschen Archäologischen Instituts Römische Abteilung, vol. 65, 1958, pp. 186-198; C. Avery, 'Soldani's small bronze statuettes after 'Old Master' Sculptures in Florence', Kunst des Barock in der Toskana. Studien zur Kunst unter den letzten Medici, Munich, 1976, pp. 165-175