Italian, late 18th/ early 19th century After the Antique

Inventory of L. Bernheimer, at Palais Bernheimer, Lenbachplatz, Munich 

Overall the condition of the marble is good, with dirt and wear to the surface consistent with age. There is dirt to the surface throughout. The top section of the proper right wing has been reattached with some partly dark-stained plaster fill. There are small specks of dirt to the sphinx's face and there are naturally occurring inclusions or small chips to her nose. There is veining to the marble consistent with the material, including to the proper left hind leg and the hair. There are several chips and abrasions to the high points, notably the edges of the wings, the edges of the base, and the edge at the top. There is also a chip to the proper left front paw. There is a circular pink mark to the top of the support. There are a few scratches to the marble, including to the inside of the proper left wing. There is a sticker to the reverse numbered: 6/ 6044.
"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 Townley Sphinx recently featured in the British Museum's Defining Beauty exhibition, which explored the representation of the human form in Graeco-Roman art. The Roman marble support in the form of a winged sphinx was discovered by Gavin Hamilton around 1777-78 among the remains of the Villa of Antoninus Pius at Monte Cagnolo. It entered the British Museum in 1805, after the death of Charles Townley, who had purchased it in 1780 (inv. no. 1805,0703.40). Dated to 120-140 AD, this original composition is thought to have served as a table support, as is indicated by the rectangular block between the wings. The present marble is a rare and faithful copy, with the attractive addition of an ornate vase-shaped support.