After a model by Giambologna (1527-1608) Probably Italian, Florence, 18th century

Overall the condition of the bronze is good, with minor dirt and wear to the surface consistent with age.There is some rubbing to the lacquer patina at the high points, including the nose. There are a few small losses to the patina to the proper right cheek, and there are some light scratches to the patina, including to the proper right lower arm and to the proper left thigh. There is a small lacuna to the inside of the proper left elbow. A few original plugs are very slightly visible, including to the abdomen. There is some very minor green spotting in a few areas, including to the lower legs. The marble base is in good condition with some wear, including chips to the edges and corners, notably to two of the top corners. There is minor dirt, including some sticker residue.
"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 bronze is derived from Giambologna's Cesarini Venus, the sculptor's final exploration in marble of the single female nude. Carved in 1583, it was commissioned by Giangiorgo Il Cesarini, Marquis of Civitanova, and executed on the orders of Grand Duke Francesco I de'Medici. The marble is nonetheless thought to derive from an earlier wax model used in the casting of a signed bronze statuette of Venus drying herself in the Kunsthistorisches Museum, Vienna (inv. no. KK 5874). Reductions of the Cesarini Venus were cast by Antonio and Gianfrancesco Susini, and later by numerous other workshops. The inclusion of a section of drapery that joins the drape on the breast with that on the hips, as in a present bronze, is a deviation from the original model. A very similar cast, formerly at Rousham House, was sold at Christie's London on 5 July 1988 (lot 109). 

RELATED LITERATURE
C. Avery, Giambologna: The Complete Sculpture, London, 1993, pp. 106-107; W. Seipel (ed.), Giambologna: Triumph des Körpers, exh. cat. Kunsthistorisches Museum Vienna, 2006, pp. 195-99, nos. 3, 4