Attributed to the workshop of Giovanni Bonazza (1654-1736) Italian, Venice, late 17th/ early 18th century

Overall the condition of the marble is good, with some wear and dirt to the surface consistent with age. There are a few chips, notably around the outer edges and one to the ear of one of the scholars. There are a few minor abrasions at the high points. There is a loss to the background of the relief with the scholar with the striated cap on the right side in front of his nose. There is some light veining to the marble consistent with the material, notably a vein running across the face of the scholar with the shortest beard. There is particular dirt in the crevices of two of the reliefs. The marble reliefs are mounted into the frames with plaster fill, which is intentionally visible. There is minor wear to the gilding of the frames. There is a hook at the top of each frame, and each frame is accompanied by a screw fastening for mounting on a wall.
"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 intriguing trio of reliefs relates closely to the oval marble profile medallions that are the characteristic product of the Venetian sculptor Giovanni Bonazza and his workshop. Compare a similar treatment of the hair, and equally pronounced facial features, in the examples illustrated by Pavanello (op. cit., nos. 70-79). The present reliefs are rare in seeming to represent Jewish scholars wearing the kippah. In this they resemble two other such reliefs with men wearing similar caps in Padua and Perugia, which have been attributed to Bonazza's circle and, tentatively, to Francesco Bertos, who was one of his most prominent assistants. The elegant frames in which the present reliefs are set were designed in 2014 by the architect Ferruccio Franzoia and produced by the metalsmith Zanon. 

RELATED LITERATURE
G. Pavanello (ed.), La Scultura Veneta del Seicento e del Settecento, nuovi studi, Venice, 2002, pp. 137-144