Attributed to Giovacchino Fortini (1670-1736) Italian, Florentine, circa 1700

head slightly turned to his right, wearing full wig, on shaped socle

Overall the condition of the bust is excellent with some minor wear to the surface consistent with age and some minor surface dirt. There are a few minor chips to the drapery at the proper right shoulder and around the edges of the truncation. There is a naturally occurring vein visible in the face as is visible in the catslogue photograph. There are some dark spots of dirt to the back at the left and some minor restorations to the curls at the centre back. There are some chips to the socle. The marble would benefit from a professional clean.
"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."

This impressive and sensitively carved bust of a gentleman can be closely compared with several portrait busts attributed to Giovacchino Fortini. Born in Settignano near Florence in 1670, Fortini worked under Giovanni Battista Foggini, whose influence can be clearly seen in the present rendition, on sculpture in Santissimia Annunziata in Florence and the nave of San Michele e Gataeno in Florence;  later following Foggini's death he was made Chief Court Architect to the Medici Court.  

A number of portrait busts have been attributed to Fortini based on their comparison with the signed tomb portrait of Baron Philipp  Bertram Degenhard Joseph von Hochkirchen ( died 1703) in Cologne cathedral illustrated by Lankheit; note in particular the treatment to the full bottomed wig.  Compare also with the portrait of Grand Duke Ferdinand de Medici which is now in the Lever Art Gallery, Port Sunlight and the bust of the Marchese Fabio Ferroni in a private collection in Florence both illustrated by Lankheit. Note also the treatment to the drapery on a further bust of Ferdinand de Medici and one of an unidentified gentleman both formerly with the Heim Gallery London and illustrated by Pratesi.

RELATED LITERATURE
K.Lankheit, Florentinische Barcokplastick, Munich 1962, figs.180-182; G.Pratesi, Scultura Fiorentina del Seicento e Settecento, Florence, 1993, pl. 259-73