Circle of Lorenzo di Pietro di Giovanni, called Vecchietta (1410-1480) Italian, Siena or Florence, second half 15th century

There are restored breaks to the lower edge and both shoulders which were strengthened with plaster on the inside. A section of the proper right shoulder was reattached after this restoration. The lower part of the beard was reattached. There is a smaller restoration to the proper right eyebrow and possibly the bridge of the nose. The bust was originally polychromed; this is now largely lost aside from the crevices around the neck and the lower part of the chest at the front. A wash has slightly flaked throughout. There are some stable firing fissures consistent with material including under the hood at the reverse and near the lower edge on the left side of the reverse. There are some minor chips, including to the tips of the beard, lower edge at the proper right shoulder and the tip of the hood on the reverse. There are two drilled holes to the back of the head.
"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 veristic approach to the modelling of this fine bust of St. Benedict is paralled by the work of the celebrated Sienese painter and sculptor Vecchietta. Compare the prominent lips, creases between the cheeks and mouth, and the modelling of the beard, with figures from Vecchietta's Dormition of the Virgin in the Museo Nazionale di Villa Guinigi, Lucca. The conception of saints with beards overlayed with long, thick, moustaches, is seen in the work of contemporary Florentine Renaissance sculptors, notably Benedetto da Maiano (1442-1497), who adopted it for his St John the Evangelist in the church of Sant'Anna dei Lombardi in Naples (Carl, op. cit., pl. 190).

RELATED LITERATURE
D. Carl, Benedetto da Maiano. A Florentine Sculptor at the Threshold of the High Renaissance, Turnhout, 2006, pl. 190; James David Draper. "Vecchietta." Grove Art Online. Oxford Art Online. Oxford University Press. Web. 28 May. 2014.