A bronze reclining figure of the hermaphrodite, 17th century

Following the landmark sale in July of Peter Paul Rubens’s masterpiece Lot and his Daughters, which achieved £44,882,500, this December Christie’s London will host a variety of auctions spanning the Decorative Arts and Sculpture, Antiquities, Old Master & British Paintings and Japanese Art. The week will also present two private collection sales, From Ancient To Modern: A Distinguished Private Collection and A Surreal Legacy: Selected works of art from The Edward James Foundation, which each encapsulate the essence of the Classic Week concept with cross-category collecting in a context true to the way collectors live. The auctions will take place from 6 to 15 December 2016 and will present a diverse selection of works of art at varying price points, a fitting conclusion to Christie’s 250th anniversary year.  The works will be on view and open to the public from 2 December 2016.   

European Sculpture & Works of Art | 6 December | 2:30pm 

Comprising European Sculpture & Works of Art from the 13th to 19th Century, the sale includes a number of rare and desirable works from major Renaissance and Baroque sculptors. Alfonso Lombardi’s rediscovered Cristo Benedicente in terracotta (circa 1522-26, estimate: £50,000-80,000) has a provenance from Palazzo Bentivoglio and has recently been included in several international exhibitions. It has never been previously offered at auction. The sale will also present a unique life-size bronze of the Sleeping Hermaphrodite (estimate: £200,000-300,000), probably cast soon after the discovery of the ancient marble original in Rome in the mid-17th century, which is now displayed in the Uffizi, Florence.

A bronze reclining figure of the hermaphrodite, cast from the antique marble restored by Ippolito Buzzi in 1621-23, Italy, probably mid-17th century, estimate GBP 200,000 - gbp 300,000. Depicted lying on a tiger skin and a rockwork base; one toe of the proper right foot lacking; the end of the base also lacking, apparently as a result of difficulties with the casting 57 ½ x 26 ¾ x 15 in. (146 x 68 x 38 cm.)