Giuseppe Piamontini

on later black slate base, light golden brown patina beneath traces of red-gold transluscent varnish and brown lacquer

Alex Wengraf, Ltd.

Leithe-Jasper and Wengraf  2004, p. 260; Zikos 2005, figs. 39 and 40, pp. 52 and 54 (illus.)

Very minor surface abrasions. Rich gold-brown patina. Minor chips to base. Overall, very good.
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.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING CONDITION OF A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD "AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF SALE PRINTED IN THE CATALOGUE.

This fine bronze, meticulously chased in Piamontini's characteristic manner, was previously attributed to Philippe Bertrand based on comparisons with his bronzes of male figures with sinuous bodies and detailed surfaces as well as with a nearly identical bronze in the Walters Art Gallery, Baltimore attributed to him. Patricia Wengraf (Leithe-Jasper and Wengraf 2004, op.cit, p.260) subsequently suggested an attribution to Piamontini for both the present bronze and the Baltimore bronze, and this view was upheld by Zikos (Zikos,op.cit., p.54).

The two bronzes appear to relate to a marble figure of Milo by Piamontini that he exhibited in 1729 in SS. Annunziata, Florence. The complex composition, the torsion of the body, the emotional intensity of the face together with the individual treatment of the surface and flowing drapery all signify Piamontini's hand.
Milo of Croton was a legendary Greek athlete, renowned for his strength. Upon seeing an oak tree, partially split open by a wedge, he tried to pull it apart but disloged the wedge trapping his hands.