Aristide Fontana (fl. circa 1870-1890) After a model by Antonio Canova (1757-1822) Italian, late 19th century

Private collection, Scotland

Overall the condition of the marble is good, with dirt and wear to the surface consistent with age. There is particular dirt in the crevices of the hair, drapery and the fig leaf. The thumb and little finger of the proper left hand of Venus have been restored, and some residue is visible. There is a small loss to Adonis's proper right big toe. There is some veining to the marble, in particular to the torso and proper right upper leg of Adonis and to the top of Venus' back. There are some minor chips and abrasions including on Venus' upper right calf and Adonis's proper right lower leg. There are a few dirt marks, notably on Venus' proper left shin and to Adonis's hip on the proper left side. There are some chips on the under side of the base on the edge.
"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."

The present marble group shows Venus bidding farewell to Adonis before setting of on a hunt, which would turn out to be fatal. It is based on one of Canova's most famous models, executed between 1789-1794, and currently in the Musées d'Art et d'Histoire in Geneva. A model of very similar composition, depicting Venus and Mars, is in Buckingham Palace (inv. no. RCIN 2038), and was commissioned in 1815 during Canova's visit to London to see the Elgin Marbles. 

Aristide Fontana was active in Carrara in the second half of the 19th century, and was known for his romantic classical style, often inspired by Canova. After 1880, he exhibited in London several times, and is thought to have lived there for a time. The present group, although in most aspects directly mirroring the Canova model, shows Fontana's preference for a more clean, simplified style, especially in the carving of the hair of the figures. 

RELATED LITERATURE
A. Panzetta, Nuovo Dizionario degli Scultori Italiani dell'Ottocento e del Primo Novecento, Turin, 2003, pp. 197-198, fig. 382 and p. 370