After the Antique Italian, circa 1800

Overall the condition of the bust is good with some minor wear to the surface consistent with age including an area of minor wear to the end of the nose and to the hair. There is a small chip to the eyelid of the proper right eye. There are a few inclusions consistent with the material and a few minor chips around the edge of the truncation. The condition of the socle is good with some minor wear to the surface. There is a natural flaw in the marble visible at the back of the head.
"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 bust is a replica of a Hellenistic prototype in the Museo Archeologico Nazionale in Naples known as Zingarella, or young gypsy woman (49cm., inv. 6194). It was well known in the 18th century and identified by Jonathan Richardson in 1722 as a Vestal which he believed had inspired Canova to develop his own Herm of a Vestal Virgin (J. Paul Getty Museum, Los Angeles, inv. 85.SA.353). It appears in Francis Hayman's portrait of Dr. Charles Chauncey and was used to symbolise Sculpture in Francois Boucher's painting Les génies des Beaux-Arts (1731). Doccia also produced the model in porcelain. Another version of the Zingarella is in the Catherine Palace, Peterhof, near St. Petersburg.

RELATED LITERATURE
J. Paul Getty Museum, Italian and Spanish Sculpture, cat. Los Angeles, 2002, pp. 314-321, no. 40; B. Maiuri, Museo Nazionale di Napoli, Novara, 1957, p. 45; F. Haskell & N. Penny, Taste and the Antique, London, 1981, p. 340