Follower of Giambologna (1529-1608) Italian, Florence, late 16th/early 17th century

Overall the condition of the marble is very good. There is some dirt and minor wear to the surface consistent with age. Due to display outdoors the surface has weathered. The base was originally drilled through for fountain fittings, some holes have been partly filled to support the base. There are restorations to the proper left ankle and the neck. There are minor chips to the base -particularly at the holes where the fountain was fitted and the dolphin's fins and tail- and Venus' nose.
"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 figure is dependent upon antique prototypes, such as the Venus de'Medici, with which Florentine Mannerist sculptors would have been familiar. The sculptor of this figure of Venus was also clearly acquainted with Giambologna's female figures in marble. Her pose and the position of her arms recalls both his Cesarini Venus and the Venus of the Grotticella.

RELATED LITERATURE
C. Avery, Giambologna. The complete sculpture, Oxford, 1987, pp.104-6, nos. 99-100; F. Haskell and N. Penny, Taste and the Antique. The Lure of Classical Sculpture, New Haven/ London, 1981