Attributed to Antonio Montauti

The attribution of these four impressive stucco reliefs to Antonio Montauti has been established based on a marble portrait relief of Marsilio Ficino (1433-1499), sold Christie’s, London, 19 July 2012, lot 144, which is initialed AMF. Professor Sandro Bellesi has identified this marble as by Antonio Montauti. The marble portrait of Ficino relates directly to a stucco relief of the Tuscan philosopher in the Haukohl collection, which is from a series of four portraits of illustrious men closely related to the present group. The Haukohl group comprises portraits of Marsilio Ficino, Galileo Galilei, Niccolò Machiavelli and Michelangelo. The latter two portraits are the same representations as the portraits of Michelangelo and Machiavelli in the present group of four portraits. The Pratesi series is distinguished from that in the Haukohl collection by the contrast of the white portrait reliefs set against a faux porphyry background, with pietra serena painted frames and elaborate cartouches at the top and bottom on the oval frames; the name of the each sitter is inscribed at the top.

This lot cannot be exported outside of Italy. Please refer to the specialist department for further information. 

This lot is on view in Florence. Please refer to the specialist department to book an appointment.