Lot 177: ATTRIBUTED TO FRANCESCO MARIA SCHIAFFINO (1689-1765) ITALIAN, GENOA, CIRCA 1750-1760 | Bust of a woman

white marble, on a mottled red and yellow marble base, and with a gilt and polychromed wood column carved with scrollwork and masks

bust: 105cm., 41 3/8 in.<br />column: 136cm., 53½in.

white marble, on a mottled red and yellow marble base, and with a gilt and polychromed wood column carved with scrollwork and masks 

Overall the condition of the marble is good with dirt throughout and some wear to the surface consistent with age. The marble would benefit from a professional clean. There is dust in the crevices, and there are spats of red and silver paint to the shoulders and the truncation at the back. There are a few minor chips and abrasions, including to the lower edge of the bust, the top of the ornament to the back of the head, the braid, two locks at the neck, and to the edge of the drapery just above the left breast. There are a few areas with minor scratching, including to the right breast in the middle of the chest and to the edge of the drapery under the right breast. There is an area of abrasion running along the ribbon tying the drapery at the right shoulder. The marble has some veining visible on the surface, consistent with material, including a line running from the right corner of the mouth towards the right ear, and some yellow veins to the shoulders at the back. There are some areas with naturally occurring inclusions, including to the swathe of drapery in front of the right shoulder and to the swathe of drapery at the centre near the lower truncation at the front. All these inclusions have been filled with plaster. There are a few pencil marks to the top edge of the marble socle, and a large splash of paint to its lower edge. Two of the corners of the mottled yellow marble section have been reattached. The yellow marble has some stable, slightly open naturally occurring veining, of which some sections are filled. The base has flaking to the paint throughout, including areas of the gilding at the corners of the cornices, as well as the scrollwork to the sides of the masks and all the edges. The base was constructed in sections; several of the joints are open, causing some loss to the paint around the cracks. Otherwise there is some naturally occurring splitting to the wood, including to the nose and mouth of the animal mask at the front. There are some traces of inactive worming, particularly at the top. Part of the scroll on the left of the animal mask is loose. There is dust throughout, particularly in the crevices of the scrollwork underneath the female masks. Otherwise the condition of the base is stable.
"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."