Circle of Alessandro Vittoria (1525-1608) Italian, Venice, circa 1600

Overall the condition of the bronze is good with some wear and dirt to the surface consistent with age. There are some losses to the lacquer patina at the high points. There are some areas of original lead repairs at the back, the proper left knee, and the proper right ankle. There is a repair to the centre of the trident and it is loose in the hand. There is an area of greening under the proper left arm. Overall the condition of the base is good with some minor dirt. There is a chip to the lower edge with some remnants of glue and there are a few further, minor, chips to the edges.
"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 dynamic bronze is compositionally close to a terracotta in the British Museum attributed to Alessandro Vittoria (inv. no. 1896,0612.1). The present model, which was attributed to Vittoria by Planiscig in 1924, is often seen incorporated into Venetian door knockers, flanked by Neptune's seahorses (see Planiscig, op. cit., pl. CLVIII, fig. 274). It is possible that the present bronze may once have formed part of such an object, as the proper left hand appears as if it once connected to a surface.

RELATED LITERATURE
L. Planiscig, Piccoli bronzi Italiani del rinascimento, Milan, 1924, pl. CLVIII, fig. 274