- 145
Italian, circa 1800
Estimate
6,000 - 8,000 GBP
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Description
- bust of a man
- Bekhen stone, pointing marks filled with red pigment throughout; on a mottled dark green marble socle
Condition
Overall the condition of the bust is very good. There is some minor wear consistent with age. The head has some inclusions to the surface consistent with material. The bust is slightly loose on its socle. There are a few minor chips around the edges of the socle.
"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."
"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."
Catalogue Note
Bekhen stone, or basanite, was highly prized by the ancient Egyptians and Romans. The gigantic effort involved in extracting it from the sacred mountain Uadi Hammâtât and the majestic sculpture yielded by the fine grain and metallic color was mentioned in Egyptian hieroglyphs as well as by Pliny. Such credentials moved the Neoclassicists to use the stone to emulate some of the greatest ancient sculpture. The stone's qualities are clear from the grandeur it bestows upon the present bust. The bust bears some resemblance to Sergel's stately portraits of his father.
RELATED LITERATURE
P. Gröminger (ed.), Nationalmuseum Stockholm. Illustrerad katalog över äldre svensk och utländsk skulptur, Stockholm, 1999, nos. NM Sk 907 and 2154; N. Penny, The materials of sculpture, New Haven/ London, 1993, p. 30
RELATED LITERATURE
P. Gröminger (ed.), Nationalmuseum Stockholm. Illustrerad katalog över äldre svensk och utländsk skulptur, Stockholm, 1999, nos. NM Sk 907 and 2154; N. Penny, The materials of sculpture, New Haven/ London, 1993, p. 30