Italian, Venice, late 16th century

Overall the condition of the bronze is good with minor dirt and wear to the surface consistent with age. There are small nicks and scratches throughout, including to the elder figure's chest. There are a number of small casting flaws, such as fissures, including a fissure to the elder figure's diadem. There are dirt residues in the crevices and 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."

The facial types in this charming little Renaissance bronze are typical of the work of Venetian sculptors active at the end of the 16th century and beginning of the 17th century, such as Nicolò Roccatagliata (fl. 1593-1636) and Girolamo Campagna (c. 1549-1617). Compare, for example with the woman in classical dress who appears in a Venetian doorknocker dating to 1600, as well as with the Venetian bronze putto with shell dating to the end of the 16th century, both of which are in the Bode Museum, Berlin (inv. nos. 5045 and 8723). The classicising concept of the multiple faced bronze is best exemplified in the superb Hecate (or Prudence) with three faces, which was cast a century earlier in Padua (Bode Museum, Berlin, inv. no. 1942).

RELATED LITERATURE
V. Krahn, Bronzetti Veneziani. Die venezianischen Kleinbronzen der Renaissance aus dem Bode-Museum Berlin, Berlin, 2003, pp. 128-131, 226-9, 254-5, nos. 31, 70, 79