Artist active in Rome, c.1630

Jonathan Richardson Senior (L.2183, bears his attribution on the mount: Biaggio Bolognese and his shelf marks on the back of the mount: K. 37/ TH 33/K. 82/K.a.24/67. N);
Richard Cosway (L.628)

Laid down. Top corners cut. Loss at bottom left corner, small holes at top left. Wear at top and bottom edges. Large areas of ?stain or wash?
"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 is a study after part of the relief of Trajan's Victorious Combat against the Dacians, in the central passage, east, of the Arch of Constantine.¹  The relief is part of a longer frieze of the 2nd century A.D. which seems to have been removed from the Forum of Trajan and cut up and re-used on the Arch, to lend lustre to Constantine's vision of himself in a line of tradition of the best emperors.  The figure of Victory here to the left is crowning Trajan.

1.  P.P. Bober and R.O. Rubinstein, Renaissance Artists and Antique Sculpture, A Handbook of Sources, London 2010, p. 207, no. 158i, reproduced pl. 158i