Italian, 16th century

Inscribed on the reverse: 1542

Overall the condition of the bust is good, with some wear and dirt to the surface consistent with age. There are some minor chips, including around the truncation and to the lower eyelid on the proper left side. The tip of the nose has been restored. There is naturally occurring veining visible on the surface, including a vein running from the proper right side of the nose through the corner of the proper right eye into the hair, one at the proper left ear, and one at the proper right shoulder. There are a few minor inclusions consistent with material including rust-coloured ones in the beard and to the truncation on the proper right side. There is a hole drilled to the back of the head indicating that the bust might have had a halo. The bust has a modern wood base.
"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 very finely carved bust of Christ recalls models created by Andrea Sansovino (circa 1467-1529), whilst he was working in Rome and Florence. Compare with Sansovino's St James in the church of Santa Maria in Monserrato, Rome (Boucher, op. cit., no. 11). Note the same strong arched brow, the beard with drillwork and the central parting of the hair. A similar conception of Christ is seen in his Baptism group for the Baptisty in Florence (Pratesi, op. cit., fig. 715). The conception of the bust, with round collar, heavily plaited shirt and mantle over his shoulders recalls the Redentore in Prato by Giovanni Bandini (1540-1599) (Pratesi, op. cit., fig. 100).

RELATED LITERATURE
B. Boucher, The Sculpture of Jacopo Sansovino, New Haven and London, 1991, vol. ii, pp. 321-322, no. 11, figs. 79-81; G. Pratesi, Repertorio della scultura Fiorentina del cinquecento, Turin, 2003, vols. i and ii, figs. 715, 100