Marble Bust of a Youth

Marble
Florence – Italy, late 15th century style
19th Century

Provenance: Cleveland Museum of Art (deaccessioned in 1959)
French and Company, New York
Private Collection NY (Mr Vincent Fourcade)
Sothebys New York, 22&23 November 1988 – lot 77


H 63 x W 58 x D 29 cm
H 24 4/5 x W 22 7/8 x D 11 1/2 inch



Although probably made considerably later, as a pastiche, this work reflects the popularity for such busts in Renaissance Florence.

It is based on a roundel by Andrea della Robbia (1435-1525), which represents Saint Ansanus (Bandini Museum in Fiesole-IT). It is quite likely, however, that this is meant to be the young John the Baptist, a patron saint of the city. Florentine parents were encouraged to provide examples of good behaviour for their offspring by decorating the home with images of 'model children, particularly the young Baptist.

The original location and subject of the Fiesole-bust is unknown. Angelo Maria Bandini referred to the work as "St. Ansanus," but there is insufficient evidence to support this identification. The modeling, meditative turn of the head create a classical image, which has lead some scholars to suggest that this is not a saint at all, but a pagan hero.