A pair of Italian Renaissance patinated bronze finials
circle of Niccolo Roccatagliata (1593-1636)
circa 1600
Each modeled as a putti astride a rearing griffin, raised on later plinths.
the finials height 7in (18cm); length 7in (18cm); width 3 1/2in (9cm)
Provenance:
with Paolo Brisigotti, London, 1978.
Property from an important English private collection.
Sold Sotheby's, London, 4 July 2023, lot 33.

Comparative Literature:
L. Planiscig, Venezianische Bildhauer der Renaissance, Vienna, 1921, p. 607 and 615, fig. 674.

Footnote:
Niccolo Roccatagliata (1593-1636) was a Genoese sculptor mainly active in Venice. Roccatagliata and his workshop produced several versions of seated and finial-type putti. The similar treatment of the putti's faces with prominent foreheads, curling hair and the overall composition of the figures relate the present pair to Roccatagliata's workshop or circle. The models offered here compare closely to a putto riding a lion attributed to Roccatagliata in the Kunsthistorisches Museum, Vienna, illustrated by Planiscig (op. cit., fig 674).

Overall height 9 1/4in. One not affixed to plinth. General marks, scratches, rubbing and softening to detail of decoration.