Jupiter holding his thunderbolts in his raised right hand, the eagle by his left side, Juno with the left hand raised and the peacock by her right side, with dark brown patina beneath translucent reddish lacquer.

Good deep olive brown patina. Old casting crack (stable) to her lower left arm. Both very finely chased, with minor surface abrasions. Overall very good condition.
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.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING CONDITION OF A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD "AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF SALE PRINTED IN THE CATALOGUE.

RELATED LITERATURE

J. Montagu, "Some small bronzes by Giuseppe Piamontini", in Antichità Viva, 1974, pp. 3-21

F. Souchal, French Sculptors of the 17th and 18th centuries, 3 vols., Oxford, 1981, vol. II

S. Bellesi, "L'antico e i virtuosismi tardobarocchi nell'opera di Giuseppe Piamontini", in Paragone, 1991

G. Pratesi (ed.), Repertorio della Scultura Fiorentina del Seicento e Settecento, 3 vols., Turin 1993

P. Fusco, Summary catalogue of European Sculpture in the J. Paul Getty Museum, 1997, p.2

These exceptionally fine bronze statuettes appear to have been executed in a Florentine work൩shop of the late baroque period. The colour of the patina and the detailed chasing indicate a contemporary or follower of Massimiliano Soldani Benzi (1656-1740).

They likely derive from antique prototypes and are clearly inspired by French sculpture. The composition of the Jupiter is taken from a now lost figure by François Girardon, seen in the engraving of his Galerie (Souchal, op.cit., p. 29, no. 20b) and while there is no record of the Juno, she may also derive from a mode𝄹l by Girardon. Two larger French bronze versions of Jupiter and Juno, probably inspired by the same antique prototypes, were sold in these rooms in January 24, 2008, lot 176, attributed to the circle of Michel Anguier.

The impact of French sculpture on that of the late baroque in Florence has been noted by many scholars. In fact, Soldani sought commissions from the French court while he was in Paris in 1682. This influence is clear in t🙈he work of Giuseppe Piamontini (1663-1744) and in fact, the present pair of bronze statuettes have been attributed to him in the past. Similarities to a pair of bronzes of Jupiter and Juno by Piamontini in the Ashmolean Museum, Oxford can be seen in the treatment of the draperies and superior finishing.