Italian, Venice, second half 12th century

The marble has wear, weathering, and dirt to the surface consistent with age and placement outside. There are several small chips to the raised areas and the edges of the relief as well as larger chips to the edge of the reverse. There are remnants of paint and mortar around the edge. There is a naturally occurring stable fissure in the marble at the right front leg of the griffin on the right. Otherwise the condition of the relief is stable. The relief can be set on its modern metal stand using holes in the modern metal disc that is mounted to the reverse of the relief using screws.
"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."

RELATED LITERATURE
A. Rizzi, Scultura esterna a Venezia. Corpus delle sculture erratiche all'aperto di Venezia della sua laguna, Venice, 1987, pp. 156, 158