Attributed to Giovanni Bonazza (1654-1736) Italian, Padua, circa 1700

Overall the condition of the marble is good, with minor dirt and wear to the surface consistent with age, with particular dirt in the crevices. There are a few very minor losses, including to the nymph's proper left index and middle finger. There is minor rubbing to the marble at the high points, including to the nymphs proper right breast. There are a few small chips and abrasions around the edges and corners of the relief. A small piece of the rock work at the top appears to have been reattached. There is some slight veining to the marble, consistent with the material, including to the nymph's chest and hip and to the marble background at the top. There are some minor scratches in areas, notably to the nymph's upper thigh, hip and breast. There is some dark staining in a few areas. The marble is accompanied by a modern metal stand, with a metal mount that has been attached to the back of the marble with screws. There is very minor general wear to the metal. The overall height including the stand is 32cm., 12 5/8 in.
"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 relief is based on a print from the explicitly erotic Lascivie series by Agostino Carracci (1557-1602), of which a copy is in the British Museum (inv. no. U,2.158).

Beautifully carved, this sensuous Baroque relief can be attributed to Giovanni Bonazza, who was one of the leading sculptors active in the Veneto in the early 18th century, creating reliefs and figurative groups for palaces and villas throughout the Venetian Republic. Compare with the four reliefs by Bonazza which sold in these rooms for £221,000 on 9 July 2015, lot 156.