- 264
Italian, Padua, first half 16th century
Estimate
8,000 - 12,000 USD
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Description
- Inkwell in the form of Marcus Aurelius on horseback
- bronze
- Italian, Padua, first half 16th century
Provenance
Daniel Katz Ltd., London, October 1987
Condition
Standard surface abrasions, lovely light brown patina beneath remainders of dark brown lacquer. Lacking implement fitted into cornucopia. Tail with later screw. A series of numbers and letters appear to be cast in the top 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.
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.
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.
Catalogue Note
Originally providing both ink and light for its renaissance owner, the shell serves as the ink pot and the candle nozzle in the figure's left hand. The bronze also would have provided a testament to the owner's erudition by making reference to antiquity through the equestrian portrait of the emperor Marcus Aurelius on horseback. The composition was derived from perhaps the most famous antique model, the over life-size equestrian bronze on the Capitoline Hill in Rome, which avoided destruction during the Middle Ages because it was mistakenly thought to represent Constantine, the first Roman emperor to officially recognize Christianity.
This bronze belongs to a group of domestic objects which have been attributed both to Riccio and Severo da Ravenna, although it is likely that their production was widespread. A comparable example was included in the celebrated von Hirsch sale (Sotheby's, London, 22 June, 1978, lot 335), and two variant examples were included in the exhibition of bronzes Natur und Antike in Frankfurt (cit.) in 1985-86.
This bronze belongs to a group of domestic objects which have been attributed both to Riccio and Severo da Ravenna, although it is likely that their production was widespread. A comparable example was included in the celebrated von Hirsch sale (Sotheby's, London, 22 June, 1978, lot 335), and two variant examples were included in the exhibition of bronzes Natur und Antike in Frankfurt (cit.) in 1985-86.
RELATED LITERATURE
Frankfurt, Liebieghaus Museum alter Plastik, Natur und Antike in der Renaissance, 5 December ꦆ1985 - 2 March 1986, p. 356, ꦯnos. 55 and 56.