Italian, 18th century

Shrubland Park, Suffolk, England;
sold Sotheby's Suffolk, 20th September 2006, lot 997

There is minor dirt and wear to the surface consistent with age.The bust has been outside, with losses to the surface detail due to weathering. There are minor losses to the locks of hair. The horns are lost. There is minor naturally occurring veining throughout, including to the face. There is a slightly open vein at the reverse running from the niche at the back through the proper left shoulder and neck to the ear. There are a few further minor slightly open veins to the upper back. The bust has been secured to the possibly associated socle with plaster/ adhesive. There are a few naturally occurring inclusions to the socle and a number of small chips and scratches, including to the edges.
"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 marble appears to be loosely inspired by the iconic bust of Alexander the Great in Rome's Capitoline Museum. The sculptor has sought to convey a sense of Alexander's power and strength through the addition of the Horns of Ammon (now lost), a reference to Alexander's conquest of Egypt in 332 B.C., after which he was received by the Egyptians as the son of the god Ammon-Ra. Zeus, king of the Olympian gods, was assimilated to Ammon-Ra and this was doubtless the reason for Alexander's subsequent fondest of his divine title; Greek coins dating from the Hellenistic period similarly represent Alexander with the Horns of Ammon. Alexander wears a skullcap roundel with the head of Medusa, a talisman for the successful military leader. However, it can also be read as a reference to Alexander's victory over the Persians, who were believed to be the descendants of Perseus; just as Perseus had killed the Gorgon Medusa, so had Alexander vanquished over his Persian enemies. The truncation of the present bust compares with 18th century busts taken more closely from antique models. Busts of this type would have served to underline the classicizing ethos of the eighteenth-century sculpture gallery.