Circle of Jacob Cornelisz Cobaert (circa 1535-1615) Italian, Rome, circa 1600

with David Peel Ltd, London, United Kingdom, circa 1965;
private collection, United Kingdom

Overall the condition of the bronze is good with minor dirt and wear to the surface consistent with age. The saint is missing an attribute, which would have been held in his left hand and balanced on the book. There is a hole drilled through the book to support the lost attribute. There is some minor tarnishing to the silver. The gilding has rubbed in areas, particularly at the high points, mainly on the drapery at front and back. There are numerous small lacunae, mostly within the folds of drapes and other crevices. Some slightly larger lacunae are found within the rear fold falling from the Saint's proper left shoulder. There is a lacunae behind the proper left ear. There are a few small spots of greening and other dirt to the gilt bronze. There are some specs of silver polish. The gilding was probably done subsequent to the silvering, as in a few areas the gold has seeped onto the silver, such as at the tips of the beard.
"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 powerful Roman Baroque bronze statuette is close to the work of Jacob Cornelisz Cobaert, a talented Flemish-born sculptor trained by Guglielmo della Porta, and a contemporary of Gianlorenzo Bernini. The Mannerist-inspired poses, stippling on the drapery and the seams at the edges of the cloth, compare with his figures from the tabernacle in the church of S. Luigi dei Francesi, Rome (Montagu, op. cit.). The strongest comparisons, however, are found in the gilt and silvered bronze figures adorning his altarpiece in the Museo Nazionale del Palazzo di Venezia (inv. no. PV 13475), which are of similar dimensions.

RELATED LITERATURE
J. Montagu, Gold, Silver and Bronze. Metal Sculpture of the Roman Baroque, New Haven and London, 1996, pp. 35-46, figs. 56-68