Attributed to Massimiliano Soldani Benzi (1656-1740) Italian, Florence, early 18th century After the Antique

Sotheby's London, 3 March 1959, lot 129

Overall the condition of the bronze is very good. There is some minor wear and dirt to the patina consistent with age. The right arm of Flora was cast separately; the joint is slightly visible at the proper right shoulder. A few of the sprues are slightly visible. There are a few minor scratches to the patina including at the proper left hip, right buttock and proper right forearm. There are a few minor chips to the wood base.
"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."

Surviving reductions of the classical Flora, after a now much damaged marble in the Boboli Gardens, are in the Residenzmuseum, Munich and the Ross collection, Toronto. Three figures of Flora by Soldani are mentioned in the 1730 inventory of the Elector Palatine.

RELATED LITERATURE
K. Lankheit, 'Eine serie barocker Antiken-Nachbildungen aus der Werkstatt des Massimiliano Soldani', Mitteilungen des Deutschen Archäologischen Instituts, Römische Abteilung, 65, 1958, p. 198; C. Avery, 'Soldani's small bronze statuettes after "Old Master" Sculptures in Florence', Studies in European Sculpture, London, 1981, pp. 131-2, fig. 10