Italian, Florence, 19th century

Overall the condition of the alabaster is good with minor dirt and wear to the surface consistent with age. The sculpture appears to have been carved in sections and stable original joints are visible at the abdomen, in the legs, and in the rockwork below the Medici arms. There are some white dirt residues, including to the proper left eye. The proper right hand is reattached and there are restored breaks to the hammer. There are various small chips and abrasions, particularly around the bottom edges of the sculpture. There is veining to the alabaster consistent with the material, including in the hat. The base is in good condition.
"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 alabaster sculpture is based on a model by the Florentine sculptor Emilio Zocchi, which stands in the Palazzo Pitti. Michelangelo, as a young boy, is busy sculpting the head of a faun. This event was described by Vasari in his Lives of the Artists.

Emilio Zocchi, who trained under Girolamo Torrini, Aristodemo Costoli and later Giovanni Dupré, was mostly active in Florence. He is best known for the equestrian statue of Victor Emmanuel II, a monumental work which was finished in 1890, and the bas-relief on the façade of the church of Santa Croce. 

RELATED LITERATURE
A. Panzetta, Nuovo dizionario degli scultori italiani dell’ottocento e del primo novecento, vol. 2, Turin, 2003, pp. 993, 1001