After a model by Antonio Canova (1757-1822) Italian, 19th century

Overall, the condition of the marble is good, with minor dirt and wear to the surface consistent with age. The surface is slightly dry, particularly at the nose and hair, and would benefit from a wax. The marble appears to have been outdoors, and has been very slightly weathered, in particular at the hair at the front, where a vein is very slightly open. There are a few small chips, including to the edges of the bust and to underneath the chin. There are two larger chips to the proper right flap of Paris' Phrygian cap. There are some small chips and scratches to the bust at the proper right shoulder. There are some small chips to the hair, in particular to one of the larger locks on the proper left side towards the centre. There are some dirt residues to the upper back and to the right side of the Phrygian cap. There are some dirt marks to the back of the bust. There is a chip to the truncation of the bust at the back. There is a slightly open vein at the front of the socle, and there are dirt marks to the socle throughout. There is some dirt to the surface, including some paint to the front lower edge.
"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 Judgement of Paris is one of the most famous episodes from Greek mythology. Clearly identifiable by his Phrygian cap, the subject is Homeric protagonist Paris, chosen to arbitrate a contest of divine beauty between Hera, Athena, and Aphrodite. In return for bestowing the coveted title upon the latter Goddess, Paris was awarded the love of Queen Helen of Sparta, which catastrophically provoked the Trojan War.

The present bust is carved after Canova's monumental full length marble in the Hermitage Museum, Saint Petersburg (inv. no. 19), which was commissioned by Joséphine de Beauharnais between 1808 and 1812. Two further models were thenceforth commissioned, the first of which is in the Neue Pinakothek, Munich (inv. no. WAF B 4), and the second in the Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York (inv. no. 2003.21.2). The subject invoked such widespread admiration that Canova was obliged to produce a number of busts to satisfy demand. The continued excursions of Grand Tourists throughout the nineteenth century ensured the sustained reproduction of these busts, as exemplified by the present lot.