After a model attributed to Pietro Tacca (1577-1640) Italian, probably Florence, 17th century

Overall the condition of the silver is good with wear and dirt to the surface consistent with age and handling. The figure was made in sections; a joint is slightly visible at the proper right shoulder and proper left shin. There are several areas of tarnishing to the silver, particularly in the crevices. There is some rubbing to the gilding, including to the high points in the hair and drapery and particularly to the strap at the proper right hip. There are a few lacunae due to casting flaws including to the proper right ear and the lock of hair behind it. There are numbers small nicks and scratches, including to the fingers, proper left shoulder and knees. There is a spot of greening in the folds of the drapery of the perizonium.
"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 figure of St Sebastian follows a model which has been the subject of considerable art historical debate. It has been attributed to a number of sculptors in the past, including Georg Petel, François Duquesnoy and Gianfrancesco Susini. However, the widely held scholarly consensus falls on Giambologna's principal studio assistant and his successor as court sculptor to the Medici, Pietro Tacca, as having been the author of the model (Scholten, op. cit., pp. 78-81, no. 22). Utilising a composition derived from the far left son in the Laocoön, the Sebastian recalls the four slaves on Tacca's monument to Ferdinand I in Livorno. Few silver versions of the Sebastian are recorded.

RELATED LITERATURE
F. Scholten and M. Verber, From Vulcan's Forge: Bronzes from the Rijksmuseum, Amsterdam 1450-1800, exh. cat., London, 2005, pp. 78-81, no. 22.