Italian, 17th century After the Antique

with Antichita' Alberto di Castro, Rome, 1983

Overall the condition of the bust is good with dirt and wear to the surface consistent with age. There is a mottled colour to the surface, mostly at the face, which may be the result of the marble having been cleaned. There are number of small chips and abrasions to the beard and the hair. There is a small loss to the proper left ear. There are also chips and abrasions to the edge of the bust. There is veining to the marble consistent with the material including a vein running down the proper right side of the face from the top of the forehead, through the eye and down to the edge of the nose. There are a few small naturally occurring inclusions, and some dirt residues to the back of the head. The back of the bust and the back of the socle have been left roughed out. There are a number of small chips to the socle and the socle has been slightly patinated.
"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."

The present bust was carved after a revered antiquity in the Capitoline Museum of Rome. Another copy by Pierre Puget is in the Cleveland Museum of Art (inv. no. 69.121).

RELATED LITERATURE
J. Frel, 'Puget's philosopher', Bulletin of the Cleveland Museum of Art, November 1970, pp. 282-283