Workshop of Nicolo Roccatagliata (fl. circa 1593-1636) Italian, Venice, early 17th century

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 - 2016)

Overall the condition of the bronze is good, with some wear and dirt to the surface consistent with age. The brown patination was probably applied at a later stage. The proper left arm and the attribute in the proper right hand (probably a spear) are lost. There are a few minor nicks and scratches. Consistent with Venetian casting practice, there are several small lacunae to the bronze. The marble base is in good condition with minor wear along the edges and corners. There is some fill to an open vein at the back.
"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."

This bronze relates closely to the seated Saint George and the Dragon which Nicolo Roccatagliata cast for the church of San Giorgio Maggiore in Venice. A version of that model from the Arthur M. Sackler Collections was sold at Sotheby's New York on 29 January 2010 (lot 413). Note the similarities in the military dress, and the distinctive thick curls of hair exhibited by many of Roccatagliata's figures.

RELATED LITERATURE
C. Kryza-Gersch, 'New Lights on Nicolo Roccatagliata and his son Sebastian Nicolini', in Nuovi Studi, vol. 5, 1998, pp. 111-126, fig. 193