Francesco Fanelli (1590-1653) Anglo-Italian, first quarter 17th century

inscribed in red paint: 221

Alfred Beit, London, by 1904
thence by inheritance to his brother, Otto John Beit, 1st Baronet 1924
thence by descent to his son, Sir Alfred Lane Beit, 2nd Baronet
and thence by inheritance to his widow, Lady Clementine Mabell Kitty Beit (née Mitford)
the Alfred Beit Foundation, 2005-2006

W. Bode, The Art Collection of Mr Alfred Beit at his Residence 26 Park Lane, London, 1904; W. Bode, Catalogue of the Collection of Pictures and Bronzes in the Possession of Mr Otto Beit, London, 1913, p. 109, no. 221

Overall the condition of the bronze is very good with minor dirt and wear to the surface consistent with age. There are two small holes to Cupid's back and the bow is slightly loose. There is some rubbing to the original dark lacquers, including to the sea creature's fins and proper left cheek and brow. There are a few spots of greening. There is wear to the ebonised base, particularly at the edges.
"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."

Cupid on the dolphin was attributed to Francesco Fanelli by Anthony Radcliffe as early as 1978 (op.cit.). Several versions of it, both in gilt bronze and with a brown patination, exist in major collections such as London's Wallace Collection (inv. no. S85), the Victoria and Albert Museum (A103-1910), Ashmolean Museum (B424), and the National Galleries of Scotland (NG2592).

RELATED LITERATURE
W. von Bode and J. Draper, Italian Bronze Statuettes of the Renaissance, New York, 1980, pl. CLXV; N. Penny, Catalogue of European Scultpure in the Ashmolean Museum, Oxford, 1992, col. I, pp. 60-61, no. 491; M. Leithe-Jasper and P. Wengraf, European Bronzes from the Quentin Collection, New York, 2005, p. 41, fig. 9.