NORTHERN ITALIAN OR FLEMISH, CIRCA 1700 | Rearing Bull

Overall the condition of the bronze is very good, with minor dirt and wear to the surface consistent with age. There is minor tarnishing to the gilding throughout, as well as some rubbing at the high points. There is some dark spotting, in particular around the tail. There are a few small nicks and scratches, notably to the top of the bull's neck. There is a dent behind the proper left ear, and another to the proper right front leg. There are a few minor spots of greening. The veined marble base is in very good condition, with a few minor abrasions along 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."

A near-identical cast of the present bull was sold in these rooms on 12 December 2003, lot 209, while a less vigorously modelled gilt bronze version was formerly in the collection of the Hungarian-born Baron Paul Hatvany (1899-1977) and sold at Christie's, 25 June 1980, as lot 37. The model relates loosely to a Europa and the Bull by Giovanni Battista Foggini (1652-1725) in the Fitzwilliam Museum, Cambridge (inv. no. M.3-1968) but is likely to have a more northern origin.

RELATED LITERATURE
V. Avery, Renaissance and Baroque Bronzes from the Fitzwilliam Museum, Cambridge, 2002, pp. 86-89, no. 7