ITALIAN, PROBABLY PADUA, FIRST HALF 16TH CENTURY AFTER THE ANTIQUE | Pacing Horse

ITALIAN, PROBABLY PADUA, FIRST HALF 16TH CENTURY AFTER THE ANTIQUE
Pacing Horse

bronze, on an ebonised wood base
bronze: 25 by 25cm., 9⅞ by 9⅞in.
base: 6 by 24.5cm., 2⅜ by 9⅝in.

Condition Report:
Overall the condition of the bronze is very good with minor dirt and wear to the surface consistent with age. There are at least two layers of old lacquers to the surface of the bronze. The upper layer is darker and is flaking in some areas, including at the rump and base of the tail. The details are finely cast and are general well preserved. There are some minor nicks including to the edges of the hooves. There is an original hole to the underside between the front legs (the investment would have been removed from this hole during the casting process). There are a few original minor lacunae around the scrotum. There are a few further minor original casting flaws, including a small lacuna to the haunches.There are bronze dowels underneath three of the hooves for mounting (it is difficult to determine their date). The undersides of these hooves are left rough, whereas the raised hoof has anatomical detail to the underside.

"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."

Provenance:
Probably Robert Valentine Berkeley (1853-1940) and Rose Berkeley (1861-1922)