Italian, Florence, 19th century After the Antique

Overall, the condition of the bronze is good, with dirt and wear to the surface consistent with age. There is greening in areas, in particular to the proper right leg, the inside left leg, and to the drapery at the back. There are a few casting flaws, including to the proper left upper arm and the proper right arm. There is a small hole to the drapery at the back. There is a patch to the proper left shoulder. The bronze is slightly loose on the base. There are minor chips and scratches to the edges and corners of the wooden base, as well as past worming to the base overall. There is a later wooden insert to the back of the base.
"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 a copy after the model of a Lamp-bearing Silenus, found in Herculaneum (National Archaeological Museum Naples, inv. no. 72199). The drunken man is shown precariously keeping his balance. The original probably served as an oil lamp at a banqueting table. 

RELATED LITERATURE
B. Maiuri, The National Museum, Naples, Naples, 1959, p. 63; S. De Caro, The National Archaeological Museum of Naples, Naples, 1996, p. 243