Italian, probably Veneto, late 16th century

formerly a fountain figure, holding an apple in his left hand and a club, standing with a dolphin at his side with its mouth drilled was water

Surface dirt, some yellow staining from an earlier cleaning, minor chips. Marble contains some pitting, inclusions and veining. Hairline crack to his right arm below shoulder and another around his right ankle. Repaired break to right wrist above his shoulder and ¾ up height of club. Drilled hole to the right of his right foot and another inside dolphin's head (from use as a fountain). Rubbing to tip of nose. Some remains of a bonding material around base from former setting into a base.
"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 exaggerated contrapposto stance taken by this fountain figure of a bearded Hercules echoes the late Mannerist influences found in North Italian sculpture of the second half of the 16th century.  Stylistic comparisons can be found within architectural decoration in particular from the areas of the Veneto and Vicenza. Note in particular the stucco standing figure of Cronos in the sala delle Quattro Pape of the palazzo Ducale in Venice by Giovan Battista Cambi, active between 1562 and 1582.  Further stylistic comparisons can be made with the figures including those by Camillo Mariani  (1566-1611) surmounting the façade of the Palladian  Basilica in Vicenza illustrated by Rigano.

RELATED LITERATURE
C.Rigoni, Scultura a Vicenza, Milan 1999, pp.140, 143
A.Bacchi, La Scultura a Venezia da Sansovino a Canova, Milan 2000, plate 30