the philosopher with long parted hair looking to the left wearing a collared shirt beneath a coat masked by drapery, on brown marble socle

There some minor dirt and wear to the surface sonsistent with age. There are a few chips to the back of the base. The bust is loose from the socle. Otherwise the condition is very good.
"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 present terracotta of John Milton (1608-1674) depicts the English poet and polemist wearing tabs, tassels and a cloak.  The bust was most likely conceived as one of a series of portraits of British worthies commissioned for installation within a library of a stately home.  By the latter part of the century workshops such as Wedgwood and Bentley emulated the idea in porcelain. Individualized sets by English sculptors such as Francois Roubilliac and Henry Cheere are recorded in the collections at Stourhead, Wiltshire and Kirkleatham.