A pair of Italian carved giltwood portabusti Roman, early 17th century

each with a square top above a concave section on supports, the front support boldly carved with scrolls, foliage and a grotesque mask, the back support carved with scrolls in low relief, the two joined by a turned stretcher, on lion paw feet, re-gilded

These elegant portabusti, or pedestals, have been re-gilded, and has some small losses to gilding, one with top bent, marks and scratches, cracks on the upper concave section.
"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."

F. Schottmuller, Wohnungskultur und Mobel der Italienischen Renaissance, Stuttgart,1921,p. 195, plates 476-479, illustrates a virtually identical portabusto in the Bardini Collection, Florence. Also see another related example in the Museo Nazionale, Florence, reproduced by A. Pedrini, Italian Furniture and Decorations of the 15th and 16th centuries, London, 1949, p. 142, fig. 364.
Other comparable examples have been sold in these Rooms as lot 134, Haute Epoque sale, 29th October 2003 and lot 77, Haute Epoque Sale, 1st November 2005.