Lot 415
  • 415

An Italian bronze figure of Mercury, early 16th century, probably Florence

Estimate
7,000 - 9,000 USD
Log in to view results
bidding is closed

Description

  • bronze
cast after the antique, light golden-brown patina beneath dark brown lacquer, upon tiger onyx base.

Literature

M. H. Schwartz (ed.), European Sculpture from the Abbott Guggenheim Collection, New York, 2008, no. 2, pp. 24-25

Condition

Surface abrasions and rubbing to patina throughout. Pitting and minor casting flaws. Some damages appear to be remnants of the antique original from which the cast was taken, such as one wing on hat, loss to edge of drapery at proper left shoulder, and dents/pitting to back. Proper right wrist cracked and restored. Left arm and chlamys cast separately. Verdegris and dirt in crevices. Sole of left sandal lacking (apparently as in original). Good quality.
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.

Catalogue Note

The present bronze closely follows a type known in several ancient Roman bronze examples, including one from the William Herbert Hunt Collection sold in these rooms June 19, 1990, lot 44 (D. von Bothmer, op. cit., no. 45), which are ultimately inspired by the 5th/4th century B.C. Greek sculptor Polykleitos.  The surface and patina of the present bronze indicate a 16th century date; the fact that the broken stub of the the right wing on Mercury's hat appears to have existed that way in the mold indicates that this was likely cast from an antiquity.

RELATED LITERATURE

D. von Bothmer, et. al.,  Wealth of the Ancient World, The Nelson Bunker Hunt and William Herbert Hunt Collections, catalogue of the exhibition at the Kimbell Art Museum, Virginia Museum of Fine Arts, Detroit Institute of Arts, and Dallas Museum of Art, Fort Worth, Texas, 1983, no. 45