Workshop of Giovanni della Robbia (1469-1529), Italian, Florence, early 16th century

with two white labels inscribed in pen: 37

There is dirt and wear to the surface consistent with age. There is a crack running through the centre of the sculpture, which is open and restored at the top and is a slight fissure at the bottom. There are some small stable fissures and lacunae. There are a few small losses, including to the edges of the drapery, to the larynx, neck, eyebrows and to the proper right ear. The nose and upper lip are restored. There are two small restorations to the forehead. To the reverse (interior), there are stable open fissures running through the centre of the relief. There is a small drill hole to the back. There are apparent carbonized areas to the surface to the reverse. There is a rope mount to the back fixed from three drill holes, visible from the front. Otherwise the condition 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."

The portrait in the present roundel compares closely with another in the Victoria and Albert Museum (inv. no. 371-1864) attributed to Giovanni della Robbia and believed to represent the ancient Greek poet, Menander. The present bust differs slightly from the V&A example in its more fully draped chest.

The present lot is offered with a thermoluminescence analysis report from Oxford Authentication Ltd dated 26 January 2012 stating that the sample (No:112a23) was last fired between 300 and 600 years ago, i.e. between 1412 and 1712 AD.

RELATED LITERATURE
J. Pope-Hennessy, Catalogue of Italian Sculpture in the Victoria and Albert Museum (London, 1964), no. 236, p. 236