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 with some particular wear to the proper left calf. A few of the original sprues are slightly visible including at the back of the proper right shoulder.
"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 of Apollo is based on Caccini's Apollo Musagete, a brilliant Mannerist restoration of an ancient torso which is in the Uffizi. Other casts are in the Quentin Collection and at Chatsworth House.

RELATED LITERATURE
K. Lankheit, 'Eine serie barocker Antiken-Nachbildungen aus der Werkstatt des Massimiliano Soldani', Mitteilungen des Deutschen Archäologischen Instituts, Römische Abteilung, 65, 1958, pp. 186-98; C. Avery, 'Soldani's small bronze statuettes after "Old Master" Sculptures in Florence', Studies in European Sculpture, London, 1981, pp. 122–32; K. Lankheit, Die Modellsammlung der Porzellanmanufaktur Doccia. Ein Dokument italienischer Barockplastik, Munich, 1982; M. Leithe-Jasper and P. Wengraf, European bronzes from the Quentin collection, exh. cat. Frick Collection, New York, 2004, pp. 274-6, no. 31; G. Pratesi (ed.), Repertorio della Scultura Fiorentina del Seicento e Settecento, Turin, 1993, III, fig. 575