Italian, Florence, 18th century After a model by Giambologna (1529-1608)

Overall condition good. The base has been drilled in two places for attachment to a base. There is much surface dirt in particular in the folds and details of the physiognomy. Wear and scratches to the patina in particular to the left thigh and calf as well as Hercules' back.
"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."

Giambologna produced wax models for six of the Labours of Hercules to be cast in silver for the Tribuna of the Uffizi, Florence, of which Hercules slaying the centaur was the first to be cast in silver  by 1577 and certainly known to the silversmith Michele Mazzafirri by 1588. The composition was used again in his  monumental marble of 1594-99 in the Loggia dei Lanzi, Florence. The earliest unequivocal reference to a bronze version is the 1609 inventory for Lorenzo Salviati, cast by Antonio Susini which is most probably the small-scale bronze example in the Kunsthistorisches Museum, Vienna.   Both the marble and bronze must reflect Giambologna's original silver model of 1576 which is now missing.

RELATED LITERATURE
C. Avery & A. Radcliffe, Giambologna (1529-1608) Sculptor to the Medici (London, 1978) p. 128, no. 81