Pietro Guarnerio

Overall the condition of the bust is good, with minor dirt and wear to the surface consistent with age. There is a slight sheen to the surface, which may be the result of cleaning. There is some light veining to the surface, consistent with the material, including to the proper right shoulder running to the chest, the proper right temple, and the proper left side of the neck. There are a few minor chips, including to the edges of the truncation and the high points of the drapery. There is some veining, a few chips, and some naturally occurring inclusions to the socle.
"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."

Pietro Guarnerio was born in Laveno, Varese, and studied at the Brera Academy in Milan, the city where he was principally to work. He specialised in portrait and funerary works as well as narrative genre scenes, of which his well-known model Forced Prayer is a typical example. While active almost exclusively in Milan, for whose Duomo he executed several works, Guarnerio exhibited widely outside the city, including in Turin in 1870 and in London in 1872 and 1873. 

RELATED LITERATURE
A. Panzetta, Nuovo Dizionario degli scultori italiana dell'ottocento e del primo novecento, Turin, 2003, vol. I, p. 446