Italian, 18th century, After the Antique

Probably Charles Watson-Wentworth, 2nd Marquess of Rockingham (1730-1782) or William Fitzwilliam, 4th Earl Fitzwilliam (1743-1833), Wentworth Woodhouse, Near Rotherham, Yorkshire;
by descent to William Thomas George Wentworth-Fitzwilliam, 10th Earl Fitzwilliam (1904–1979);
sold by order of the Trustees of the Fitzwilliam Settlement, Christie's London, 15th July 1986, lot 81

Overall the condition of the marble is good. There is dirt and wear to the surface consistent with age, including a few chips and scratches, in particular to the hair, the wreath on his head and to the edges of the torso. There is veining throughout the marble, consistent with the material. There are some larger veins in the chest and a very slightly open stable vein running from the proper right side of the hair across the forehead down to the proper left cheekbone. There are some stains and possible restoration to the lock of hair and leaf next to the proper left eye. There are a few dents and a few areas of warping to the metal base.
"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 fine bust is taken from a Roman marble Bacchus in the Museo Nazionale in Naples [Inv. no. 6350]. It once formed part of the celebrated sculpture collection at Wentworth Woodhouse, begun by Charles Watson-Wentworth, 2nd Marquess of Rockingham and Whig Prime Minister, at a time when there was a great thirst for Antique sculpture throughout Europe. The general classicizing effect of the collection was nonetheless prized over archeological verity, and Rockingham's acquisitions incorporated contemporary works, including a number of important sculptures by Joseph Nollekens (1737-1823.) Ultimately, marbles such as the present bust would, as Gervase Jackson-Stops has argued, have 'underlined the political beliefs of the Whig aristocrats ... [who viewed] themselves as reincarnations of the Greek and Roman senators, and representatives of a free democratic system as against the absolutism prevailing elsewhere in Europe' (G. Jackson-Stops, op. cit. p. 288.) This ideological resonance would have been particularly apparent to Rockingham, who is remembered today for his criticism of Britain's role in the American Revolution.

RELATED LITERATURE
G. Jackson-Stops, The Treasure Houses of Britain. Five Hundred Years of Private Patronage and Art Collection, pp. 288-92