An Italian bronze figure of Morgante as Bacchus, after Giambologna, late 16th century, Florence

on later veined yellow marble base.

Sotheby's, London, December 14, 1978, lot 116
The Cyril Humphris Collection, sold Sotheby's, New York, January 11, 1995, lot 127

Some casting flaws throughout, such as hole under proper right foot and divet under proper left arm. Surface uneven and with flaking lacquer. Brownish patina with some verdigris. Minor wear to marble base.
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.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING CONDITION OF A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD "AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF SALE PRINTED IN THE CATALOGUE.

The model for Morgante, the court dwarf to the Medici, is ascribed to Giambologna and is known in two variants. The bronze was formerly given to Valerio Cioli by some scholars based on comparisons with a bronze Morgante on a dragon also attributed to him and long considered as being associated with the documented marble on a tortoise by Cioli in the Boboli gardens. See Avery and Radcliffe, Giambologna. Sculptor to the Medici (exh. cat.), Edinburgh, London, and Vienna, 1978, no. 52 for a discussion of the two variants; the present bronze is an example of variant B. Other examples of this model include those in the Bode Museum, Berlin and in the Museo Nazionale del Bargello, Florence.