Giovanni della Robbia (1449-1529/30), Italian, Florence, early 1520s

presumably by descent to Marchese Viviani della Robbia, Settignano, late 19th century;
Raoul Tolentino, Rome;
The American Art Association, New York, 1920;
Daniel Katz Ltd., London, 1994

M. Reymond, Les della Robbia, Florence, 1897, p. 269;
L. Burlamacchi, Luca della Robbia, London, 1900, pp. 60 and 109;
M. Crutwell, Luca and Andrea della Robbia and their successors, London/ New York, 1902, pp. 234, n.1 and 330;
A. Marquand, Giovanni della Robbia, Princeton/ London, 1920, p. 133, no. 134, fig. 161;
S. de Ricci (ed.), De luxe catalogue of the rare artistic properties collected by the connoisseur Signor Raoul Tolentino, exh. cat. American Art Association, New York, 1920, no. 794;
J. Auersperg, Daniel Katz. European Sculpture, London/ New York, 1996, pp.8-9, no. 1;
K. Zock, European Sculpture, exh. cat. Daniel Katz Ltd., New York, 2002, pp. 48-53, no. 8

The bust was broken in several large pieces at one point and has been restored around the fissures. The restored fissures are visible from shoulder to shoulder across the neck, to the chest at the front and at both sides. The areas around the fissures have been partially filled and painted to match the glaze, a larger area of repainting is visible along the truncation of the proper left arm. A few stable, naturally occurring, firing fissures are visible in the hair at the back of the head. Remnantns of the polychromy of the face are visible in the nostrils. There is wear and dirt to the surface consistent with age. Otherwise the condition of the bust is good.
"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."

This lot is sold with a written expertise by Dr. Giancarlo Gentilini, Florence. It has been published extensively since 1897. See catalogue note at sothebys.com.