ITALIAN, EARLY 19TH CENTURYAFTER THE ANTIQUE | Marcus Aurelius

the base with the Coat of Arms of Pope Paul III and with a Coat of Arms for Rome inscribed S.P.Q.R.

Overall, the condition of the bronze is good, with minor dirt and wear to the surface consistent with age. The figure of Marcus Aurelius is cast separately, and joints are slightly visible between the horse and the figure. There is particular dirt in the crevices, and there are some minor splashes of black-ish dirt to the surface. There is some staining to the horse's neck on the proper left side and to the proper right hind leg. There are a few plugs and patches, in particular to both hind legs, to the front of Marcus Aurelius' drapery, and to the proper right front leg. There are minor nicks and scratches in areas, including to the tail on the proper right side. The condition of the marble base is good, with some dirt and wear. There are small reattachments to four of the corners of the top of the base. There are small chips and abrasions to the edges and corners throughout. There are further scratches to the top of the base, in particular around the horse's feet, since the horse rocks slightly on the base. There is minor wear to the paint of the inscriptions.
"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The monumental equestrian bronze group of Marcus Aurelius, originally made for the Campidoglio, Rome, was the most important statue from antiquity to survive above ground. That may have been due, in part, to its erroneous identification as a portrait of Constantine the Great, the first Christian emperor.  The great classical bronze is also among the first statues from Antiquity of which bronze reductions were made, from the Renaissance onwards. The first was executed by Filarete (now in Dresden), dedicated to Piero de' Medici in 1465. 

RELATED LITERATURE
F. Haskell and N. Penny, Taste and the Antique. The Lure of Classical Sculpture, New Haven/ London, 1981, pp. 252-5