Italian, Rome, partly classical 2nd century AD, restored circa 1823

Lot 90: Summary of the restorations based on the entry on the Woburn Abbey floor in E. Angelicoussis, The Woburn Abbey Collection of Classical Antiquities, Mainz am Rhein, 1992, pp.110-112 and a visual comparison with the Valadier watercolour of the pavement as it is thought to have appeared circa 1823. According to Angelicoussis, one of the two Oceanus or Triton heads at Woburn Abbey is entirely new. Unfortunately as the Woburn Abbey mosaics are permanently covered it has not been possible to make an exact comparison with the Kinnaird Triton heads. The Valadier watercolour shows three Triton heads, however, it is impossible to make precise matches with the Kinnaird heads in every detail. The head without the antennae is closest to the head adjacent to the bull in the Valadier watercolour. The other Head with the antennae is similar to the head next to the Tiger pursuing the bull, but the eyes appear to look in a different direction. It should be assumed that both these heads were restored by Giuseppe Baseggio during the 1823 restorations conforming to the original pavement as depicted in the Valadier watercolour. Each mosaic is set into a plaster and composite slab. Each received extensive and well-done restoration in the 19th century and later. Each panel comes with separate metal wall mounting brackets. Overall the condition of the mosaic is now good and stable. There are several areas of restoration including the lower left corner of the triton looking to its proper left and the tip of the nose of the other.
"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."