ITALIAN OR FRENCH, MID 17TH CENTURY | Queen Dido of Carthage

Standard Minor surface abrasions. Patina rubbed throughout. Surface possibly waxed to produce a shine. Remainders of lacquer throughout. Lovely quality. Some small cracks to later wood 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.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING CONDITION OF A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD "AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF SALE PRINTED IN THE CATALOGUE.

This sensuous statuette shares affinities in style and subject with a bronze nude female figure that pierces her bosom with a dagger as she twists and turns. Known in at least three versions, in the Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York the Victoria and Albert Museum, London, and the Bayerisches Nationalmuseum, Munich, that model of Dido is similarly characterized by a small head with distinctive features and fluid modeling. The model for that bronze, formerly ascribed to an anonymous Flemish artist working in 17th century Rome under the influence of Bernini, has been variously attributed to Ferdinando Tacca (1619-1686) on stylistic grounds. Dido, the founder and Queen of Carthage (modern-day Tunisia), fell in love with Aeneas, the Trojan hero. She failed to persuade Aeneas to remain with her and when he eventually sailed away with the Trojan ships, Dido plunged Aeneas' sword into her breast.