AFTER A MODEL BY GIANLORENZO BERNINI (1598 - 1680)ITALIAN, 19TH CENTURY | Head of Proserpina

Overall, the condition of the marble bust is very good, with some dirt and wear to the surface consistent with age. There may be a few very minor chips to the edges of the hair. There are minor chips to the edges of the truncation, in particular at the back. There are a few naturally occurring inclusions, in particular to the tip of the nose, to the proper right nostril, and to the edge of the upper lip. There are a few minor slightly dark inclusions to the surface, including to the hair. There is minor veining to the marble, including a vein to the hair on the proper right side of the forehead. There are some bluish dirt marks to the proper right side of the bust at the truncation and to the hair on the proper right side. There are chips to the points of the leaves of the patinated marble column. There are also some bluish marks here. The veined red marble base is in good condition. There are some slightly open but stable veins to the base, consistent with the material. There are some minor chips and abrasions to the edges and corners of the base, in particular to the bottom edge. There are remnants of an old label to the front 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."

This work is based on the famous group The Rape of Proserpina by the master sculptor Gian Lorenzo Bernini, executed in 1621-1622 (Galleria Borghese, inv. no. CCLXVIII). Bernini's original group depicts the moment when Hades seizes the maiden before taking her to his shadowy abode in the Underworld, as told by Claudian (De raptu Proserpine) and Ovid (Metamorphoses, V, 385-424). Proserpina is shown struggling, her head thrown back in distress. The drama of the moment is encapsulated by the present representation, which renders Proserpina's terror and longing to remain in the world of the living.