Circle of Antonio Raggi (1624-1686) Italian, Rome, second half 17th century

Overall the condition of the marble is good with minor dirt and wear to the surface consistent with age, including a few minor scratches. The central area of the top of the head is filled with gesso. There is a horizontal surface fissure to the bottom consistent with material. The front right corner of the base is restored.
"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 marble figure of Hercules is carved in the Roman Baroque style practised by Gianlorenzo Bernini's (1598-1680) favoured pupil Antonio Raggi and his circle. The rounded face and dynamic pose are comparable to those of the putti supporting the organ lofts designed by Bernini and executed by Raggi in the 1650's for S. Maria del Popolo, Rome (Montagu, Roman Baroque..., op. cit. pp. 138-9, figs. 181-2). A further comparison can be made with Raggi's putti supporting the medallions with Alexander VII and Sixtus IV on the façade of S. Maria della Pace, Rome (Montagu, Antonio Raggi..., op. cit. p. 838, figs. 62-3). The present marble also has echoes of the work of Bernini's other assistants, such as Ercole Ferrata (1610-1686). A signed version of Ferrata's Infant Hercules was sold in these rooms on 9 December 1987 for £100,000.

RELATED LITERATURE
J. Montagu, Roman Baroque Sculpture. The Industry of Art, New Haven and London, 1989, pp. 134-9, figs. 181-2; J. Montagu, 'Antonio Raggi in S. Maria della Pace', Burlington Magazine, December 1994, pp. 836-9, figs. 62-3