Emilio Zocchi

Private collection, United Kingdom, since the early 20th century

Overall, the condition of the marble is very good, with minor dirt and wear to the surface consistent with age. The marble is beautifully carved and the details overall are in very good condition. There are a few small chips and abrasions around the base. There are some small losses to the apron at the knees, and some possible small chips to the edges of the apron elsewhere. The proper left thumb and tip of the chisel are restored. There are some minor naturally occurring inclusions to the marble, including to the face and chest. There are some small dirt marks, in particular to the plant on the proper left side of the terrasse and some specks of dirt in particular to the proper left leg. There are some losses to the clothing at the back on the bottom edge. There is some minor veining, consistent with the material. There is some minor wear to the surface in areas, including to the hair. There is particular dirt in some of the crevices.
"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."

A version of the present sculpture by the Florentine Emilio Zocchi stands in the Palazzo Pitti. Michelangelo, as a young boy, is busy sculpting the head of a faun, an event 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. 

The present sculpture is a particularly beautiful marble, with finely executed details, especially on the surface of the jacket and the concentrated frowning expression on the boy's face. 

RELATED LITERATURE
A. Panzetta, Nuovo Dizionario degli Scultori Italiani del Ottocento e del Primo Novecento, Turin, 2003, vol. 2, pp. 993, 1001