Attributed to Domenico Guidi (1625-1701) Italian, Rome, circa 1677

Overall the condition of the terracotta is good with dirt and wear to the surface consistent with age. The end of the nose and the proper left thumb are lost. There are a few minor chips to some of the fingers and to the drapery, including around the lower edge. There is a larger chip to the proper right sleeve and to the drapery behind the hand. There are a few very minor fissures to the surface. There is particular dirt to the back of the head.
"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 terracotta appears to be a preliminary study for Guidi's 1677-1679 funerary monument to Louis Phélypeaux, Marquis de la Vrillière, in the church of Saint Martial, Chateauneuf-sur-Loire. It has a freshness and plasticity, which would indicate that it was made as the sculptor initially formulated his composition. A more finished terracotta model for the monument can be found in the Staatliche Museen, Berlin (Giometti, op. cit., no. 6.M). Terracotta models became increasingly sought-after during the course of the 17th century, with Giovanni Battista Pamphilj stipulating to Guidi in the contract for the altar of Sant'Agnese, that he produce such a sketch and that it remain with the finished work in perpetuity (Barberini, op. cit. pp. 57-8).

RELATED LITERATURE
M. G. Barberini, 'Base or Noble Material? Clay Sculpture in Seventeenth- and Eighteenth-Century Italy', B. Boucher (ed.), Earth and Fire. Italian Terracotta Sculpture from Donatello to Canova, exh. cat. The Museum of Fine Arts, Houston, and The Victoria and Albert Museum, London, New Haven and London, 2001, pp. 57-58; C. Giometti, Domenico Guidi 1625-1701. Uno scultore barocco di fama europea, Rome, 2010, pp. 234-235 and 293, nos. 36.S and 6.M