ITALIAN, PROBABLY FLORENCE, 16TH CENTURY | Jupiter

Kunstkammer, Basel (18th century inventory);
The Margraves and Grand Dukes of Baden;
their sale, Sotheby's, Baden-Baden, vol. II, Kunstkammer, 5 October 1995, lot 325

Overall the condition of the bronze is good, with some wear and dirt to the surface consistent with age. The proper right big toe is lost; it is possible that this is original to the cast. There are metal nails to the feet. There is some wear to the lacquer patina, including rubbing at the high points and some flaking. Brushing is visible throughout. There is dust and some dryness to the patina in the crevices. There is minor pitting to the bronze in areas, notably the lower legs. There is general wear to the ebonised wood base, in particular around the edges.
"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 present model appears to be a variant of a Jupiter(?) of which there are versions in the Ashmolean Museum, Oxford (inv. no. WA 2003.218) and the former French Royal Collection in the Louvre (inv. no. OA 9444). The present bronze differs from these in its modelling, the inclusion of a laurel wreath, and the positioning of the left arm. There is a broad consensus that the model is Italian (either Florentine or northern) and likely based on an ancient prototype. The present bronze further relates to bronzes by Baccio Bandinelli, notably his Hercules with the Apples of the Hesperides in the Museo del Bargello, Florence, which substantiates a Florentine origin. 

RELATED LITERATURE
L. Planiscig, Piccoli Bronzi Italiani del Rinascimento, Milan, 1930, fig. 317; J. Warren, Medieval and Renaissance Sculpture: A Catalogue of the Collection in the Ashmolean Museum, Oxford, vol. I, Sculptures in Metal, pp. 276-279, no. 71