Italian, Venice, 17th century

inscribed: LOAN 1990 on the underside

Professor Michael Jaffé CBE (1923-1997), Cambridge, United Kingdom;
and thence by family descent;
on loan to the Fitzwilliam Museum, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom (1976 - 2014)

Overall the condition of the bronze is good with wear and some dirt to the surface consistent with age. The figure was cast in sections; a joint is visible at the proper right shoulder and the tip of the tail of the dolphin was lost. The bronze is a rough cast; in line with casting practices for furnishing bronzes of the time. There is an original rectangular plug to the underside of his proper left leg. The bronze was once mounted as a table fountain; one of the spouts remains. The right hand probably held a trident. The condition of the marble base is very good with some minor wear to the edges. It was made of sections. Several joints are visible along the edges. There are a few minor losses to the upper edge of the side panel on Neptune's proper left side. Some other small areas may have been filled.
"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."