CIRCLE OF ANGELO MARINALI (1654-1702), VENETO, LATE 17TH / EARLY 18TH CENTURY, | Hercules holding his club

RELATED LITERATURE
M. de Vincenti, Scultura nei giardini delle ville venete. Il territorio vicentino, Milan, 2018, pp. 189-197.

The surface is overall quite eroded due to outside exposure, consistent with its function of garden statuary. The sculpture is made of a quite grainy limestone. There are a few chips and small losses to the high points in some places and along the edges of the base with larger losses along the lower edge. A restored break is barely visible in the middle of Hercules' mace. There is a restored break on Hercules' proper right arm, bellow his elbow. There appears to have some filling in a few places probably consequently to the erosion. Otherwise in good condition for a garden statuary dating from the early 18th century. The athletic muscles on his torso, the curls of his beard and hair are very detailed. Impressive size for this highly decorative and powerful piece.
"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 Hercules derives from the Giant in the Grimani Castle, in Monegalda, carved by Angelo Marinali in 1685 for Giovanni Battista Donà. The figure is similar to the work of Agostino Testa (1662-1735), who was active in the circle of Marinali.  Sotheby's thanks Dr. Maichol Clemente for his kind help in cataloguing this work.