Attributed to Orazio Marinali (1643-1720) Italian, Venice, circa 1700

Overall the condition of the bust is good. There is overall dirt and wear to the surface consistent with age. There are a few minor nicks and chips particularly at the right ear. The bust is fixed to the socle with cement. The socle has some losses and fissures to the surface due to naturally occurring veining. There are some chips to the socle's corners and edges.
"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 present bust of an old man with a beard shows the differentiation between smoothly polished skin and the more rough rendering of the beard and drapery, with the parallel lines of the course-tooth chisel visible. This was a typical feature of Venetian sculpture of the second half of the 17th century. The half-relief bust of a man is a compelling comparison to the bust of Diogenes in the Museum of Fine Arts in Boston attributed to Orazio Marinali and illustrated bu Androssov, page 72-3.

RELATED LITERATURE
S. Androssov, 'Unknown works of Orazio Marinali', A. González-Palacios (ed.), La Scultura. Studi in onore di Andrew S. Ciechanowiecki, Torino, 1994, vol. I, pp. 71-6, figs. 1-2