ITALIAN, 20TH CENTURYAFTER THE ANTIQUE | Crouching Venus

There is some weathering to the surface, consistent with placement outdoors. The proper right right index finger is reattached, and there are further reattachments to three of the fingers of the proper left hand. There is an area of dark natural veining to the marble at the proper left shoulder, which has been retouched. There are several small naturally occurring inclusions to the marble, including to the proper right side, the chest, the proper right arm, the proper left elbow, and the back, where there is also some further light veining. Some of the inclusions have been filled. There is some white residue to the proper right eyelid. There are a few minor chips, including to the urn and to the edges of the base. Otherwise the condition of the marble is good, with some wear and dirt to the surface consistent with age.
"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 Uffizi Crouching Venus was moved from the Villa Medici in Rome to Florence in 1787. It was originally thought to be a copy of a statue by Diodalses and referred to by Pliny, but more recent scholars relate it to Pergamene sculptures, such as the Arrotino. Early commentators considered the subject to be the Birth of Venus but later the goddess was generally thought to be bathing. RELATED LITERATURE
F. Haskell and N. Penny, Taste and the Antique: The Lure of Classical Sculpture 1500-1900, New Haven and Yale, 1981, p. 321-23.