Pietro Bazzanti (Italian, 1825-1895), A white marble bust of 'Sulamitide' last quarter 19th century

carved in full round, depicting a young woman with oriental jewelled head-dress, her name 'Sulamitide' inscribed on the five coins hanging in her forehead, her décolleté framed by a garland of flowers

Overall in good condition, some surface soiling, some smaller stains to the reverse, few minor chips and imperfections to the marble, one larger shallow chip (ca. 2 by 3cm) to the veil on the reverse.
"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 Florentine Pietro Bazzanti was one of the many gifted sculptors in marble working in Italy in the late 19th and early 20th century. He, as was typical of his contemporaries, specialized in sentimental subjects, often young women, and in idealized nudes. Much of his work was exported to England and the United States.
The original source of inspiration for this bust is 'La Sulamitide' (Rome, 1739), a play by Giuseppe Maria Ercolani (1672-1759). An opera with the same title by Domenico Fischetti (1725-1810) was first released 1753 in Florence.