Italian, Padua, possibly 16th century

Overall the condition of the stucco is good with wear and dirt to the surface consistent with age. There are several chips and abrasions on the surface, particularly to the forehead, proper left eyebrow, nose, collar on the left, the proper right shoulder, and the lower edge at the front. There is a restored break running diagonally from the forehead to the back of the head. The polychromed wooden base has wear and dirt to the consistent with age, specifically at the edges. There is a chip to the upper edge. There are a few minor non-active worm holes consistent with material leading to some minor losses. The base was made in sections; the joints are visible.
"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."

Considered the father of Humanism, Francesco Petrarca (1304-1374) known as Petrarch, was an Italian scholar and poet in Renaissance Italy.

To escape the plague that struck Milan, Petrarch moved to Padua and then  settled in the small village of Arquà after the invitation of his friend Francesco il Vecchio da Carrara. Six years after Petrarch's death, his tomb was erected by Francescuolo di Bassano, the poet's son-in-law. Made of red marble from Verona, the form is inspired by classical Roman sarcophagi as well as the tomb of Antenor, the Trojan prince and supposed founder of Padua.

The tomb is adorned with a bronze head, from which this bust was presumably cast, and inscribed plaque beneath it. Commissioned in 1547 by Paolo Valdezocco, who purchased Petrarch's house in 1546 and later made it into a museum, the name of the sculptor who cast the bronzes (both of which are now in the town's museum) is unknown.