Florentine, circa 1700

on associated grey marble socle

There is overall weathering to the surface with evidence of re-carving in the face. There is a restored break across the bottom of the torso on the proper right as visible in the catalogue photograph. There are areas of restoration to the proper left eyebrow and nose and the lobe of the proper left ear.
"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 idealised representation of Meleager with the pelt of the Calydonian boar's head draped upon his left shoulder would originally have formed part of an architectural interior and would most probably have been paired with another mythological bust or series of busts. It can be associated with the more elegant elements found in late  Florentine Baroque sculpture of the 17th century by an artist working within the ambit of Giovanni Battista Foggini.  Compare in particular with the set of three busts commissioned from Isidoro Franchi in 1696  made for the Corsini family and which are still in the Palazzo Corsini in Florence.  It is interesting to note that a fourth bust Fauno con pelle di porco also mentioned in the original commission is missing.  Compare in particular the restrained manner and treatment to the neck and shoulders to that of the vine wreathed Bacchus in the Palazzo Corsini.

RELATED LITERATURE
G.Pratesi, Scultura Fiorentina del Seicento e Settecento, Florence 1993, figs 279-281 and Vol. I pp.47-48