Italian or French, 18th century. After a model by Giambologna (1529-1608). Nessus and Deianeira

bronze, on a mottled grey marble base. bronze: 23.5cm., 9¼in. base: 11.5cm., 4½in. Estimate 5,000—7,000 GBP

PROVENANCE: Sammlung Richard von Kaufmann, Berlin 1917, no. 196

NOTE: Giambologna's model for Nessus and Deianeira was one of his greatest successes. The vibrant depiction of the centaur Nessus abducting the wife of Heracles inspired many reproductions, but seldom on such a charming scale as the present bronze. Another remarkable feature of the bronze is its unfinished surface, which compares well to a larger version of the group in Stockholm (NM SK 340). This distinctive sculpture must have appealed to the eminent German economist Richard von Kaufmann, who had the bronze in his impressive collection in the early 20^th century.

RELATED LITERATURE
L. O. Larsson, European Bronzes 1450-1700, Stockholm, 1992, pp. 32-33, no. 8

Sotheby's. Old Master Sculpture and Works of Art. 02 Dec 08. London. photo courtesy Sotheby's. www.sothebys.com