Italian, early 19th century

Overall the condition of the bronze is good. There is some wear and dirt to the surface consistent with age. There are a few naturally occurring casting flaws around the truncation and on the top of the head including a stable fissure to the chest on the proper left and an irregular area at the back of the neck. The bronze support that attaches to the socle is a modern replacement. The socle has a reattached chip to its upper edge and some minor losses due to naturally occurring veining.
"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 bronze is based on a marble bust from the collections of the Hermitage. It was long associated with Michelangelo but was reattributed to Baccio Bandinelli in the 1980s. This bust varies slightly from the 16th-century marble: the sculptor of the bronze has chosen a more classical drapery style than seen in the original but added to the vivacity of the composition by lifting the grape leaves away from the head. 

17th-century casts of this Bacchus were sold in these rooms on 21 April 1988, lot 134, and at Christie's on 5 July 1994, lot 110.

RELATED LITERATURE
M. Liebmann et al., Western European Sculptures from Soviet Museums, 15th and 16th centuries, St. Petersburg, 1988, no. 26