Northern Italian, 17th century After the Antique

the marble has probably been outside with some loss to the surface detail due to weathering. The marble has been overcleaned, leading to a textured, shiny surface. There may also be some weathering to the stone. There are a few dirt marks, including to the hair, and some dirt residues, including to the beard and neck. There are some further red and blueish residues to the back at the top. There are some old abrasions, including to the drapery at the front below the chest, and there are some chips, notaby to the bottom edge. There is some light veining to the marble consistent with the material, including some slightly open veins to the drapery at the chest, and another at the top of the head. There are various small chips and losses to the back. Otherwise the condition is good, with some dirt and wear consistent with age.
"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 powerful bust of the Roman Emperor Caracalla was probably carved in the Veneto. The deep truncation, shrouded with elegant drapery, is typical of Venetian late 16th- and early 17th-century sculpture. Compare, for example, with Girolamo Campagna's Bust of Francesco Bassano in the Museo civico, Bassano del Grappa, Vicenza, which has a similar mustache and incised eyes (see Bacchi, op. cit., no. 43).

RELATED LITERATURE
A. Bacchi, La scultura a Venezia da Sansovino a Canova: Dal Rinascimento alla fine del ‘700, Milan, 2000, p. 715, no. 43