- 94
Italian, probably Rome, 17th century
Estimate
6,000 - 8,000 GBP
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Description
- Laocoön
- bronze
- Italian, probably Rome, 17th century
the left side of the base inscribed: S
Condition
Overall the condition of the bronze is good with dirt and wear to the surface consistent with age. There are a number of original casting flaws, particularly to the base at the front on the left, to Laocoön's proper left leg and his elder son's legs, buttocks and proper right arm (this arm has been cast separately and the joint is visible). The elder son's index finger has not been cast or has been lost and there are further casting flaws here. The younger son's little finger on his proper right hand was not cast/ has been lost. There are wax/ composite plugs in short pores to the elder son's neck, arms, legs and buttocks. There are a few further wax/ composite plugs elsewhere, including to the serpent where it meet's the elder son's right arm and in a lacuna at the younger son's back. There is a lacuna to the right side of the base. There are a few spots of greening.
"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."
"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."
Catalogue Note
RELATED LITERATURE
F. Haskell and N. Penny, Taste and the Antique. The Lure of Classical Sculpture 1500-1900, New Haven and Yale, 1981, pp. 243-7, no. 52; J-P Cuzin, J-R Gaborit et A. Pasquier (eds.), D'après l'antique, exhib. cat. Musée du Louvre, Paris, 2000, pp. 228-73; J. Warren, Beauty and Power. Renaissance and Baroque Bronzes from the Peter Marino Collection, exhib. cat. Wallace Collection, London, 2010, pp. 158-65, no. 15
F. Haskell and N. Penny, Taste and the Antique. The Lure of Classical Sculpture 1500-1900, New Haven and Yale, 1981, pp. 243-7, no. 52; J-P Cuzin, J-R Gaborit et A. Pasquier (eds.), D'après l'antique, exhib. cat. Musée du Louvre, Paris, 2000, pp. 228-73; J. Warren, Beauty and Power. Renaissance and Baroque Bronzes from the Peter Marino Collection, exhib. cat. Wallace Collection, London, 2010, pp. 158-65, no. 15