Circle of Camillo Rusconi (1658-1728) Italian, Rome, circa 1700

There is dirt and wear to the surface consistent with age and handling, including minor chips and scratches. There appear to be restorations throughout, including to the chest, upper back, neck and to the overhanging drapery at the base. The head may be reattached. There are a number of original hairline firing cracks and lacunae, including in the folds of the drapery. The proper right hand is reattached and may be replaced. The surface wash is refreshed. There is non-active worming and stable splitting to the wood base. Otherwise the condtion is 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. 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 present figure of St James the Greater compares closely in composition to Camillo Rusconi's statue of the same subject in the church of St John Lateran, Rome, which was erected in 1718. It also recalls the sculptor's St John, completed in 1713, for the same church. However, the bearded face and inclusion of the pilgrim's staff draw closer comparison with the later statue and identify the subject as St James the Greater.

RELATED LITERATURE
F. den Broeder, 'The Lateran Apostles. The major sculpture commission in eighteenth-century Rome', Apollo, no. 63, 1967, pp. 360-66, figs. 7, 12