A RARE DOCCIA BUST OF THE ROMAN EMPEROR CALIGULA 1750-60

probably after Massimiliano Soldani-Benzi, Caligula's head slightly turned to the right, and with wavy short hair, his name incised beneath his tunic, raised on a later square porcelain plinth and metal base.

The later porcelain plinth has two large cracks: one curving downwards to the foot from one corner on the reverse and continuing upwards to the other corner; the other is on the right side extending diagonally downwards from the corner at the front to the foot. The bust is mounted and supported on the plinth with a concrete-like substance and has several minor firing cracks or tears, one above the right ear. another to the edge of the bust beneath the neck at the back and two to the pleats of his tunic. There are some minor firing-related patches of abrasion to the glaze at the top of the head. Otherwise the bust is in generally good condition.
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.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING CONDITION OF A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD "AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF SALE PRINTED IN THE CATALOGUE.

Massimiliano Soldani-Benzi (1656-1740) was a Florence-based sculptor and medallist, who was trained in sculpture and coin-making in the Medici school.  Following his training, Soldani-Benzi was employed by the Medici workshop, where he remained for his entire career.  In addition to sculpture and coins, Soldani-Benzi also produced a number of bronze reliefs, busts and free-standing figures based on antique models.  In 1694-95 Josef Johann Adam, Prince of Liechtenstein (1690-1732) commissioned from Soldani-Benzi a number of works based on those in the Medici collections.  A group of these works, including bronze busts of Agrippa, Hadrian, Augustus, and Cicero are currently in the collection of the Lichtenstein Museum.  Upon Soldani-Benzi's death in 1740 his heirs sold some of his wax models to Carlo Ginori, owner of the Doccia porcelain manufactuary, who had them reproduced in porcelain by his cheif modeller Gaspero Bruschi.

Doccia porcelain busts such as the present lot rarely appear at auction.  A Doccia bust of a Roman emperor in a similar tunic was sold Sotheby's, London, 13 July 1976, lot 84, and another depicting Claudio also after Soldani-Benzi, was sold in these rooms on 5 May 1970, lot 15.