Glossary of Terms

The following are examples of the terminology used in this catalogue. Any statement as to authorship, attribution, origin, date, age provenance and condition is a statement of opinion and is not to be taken as a statement of fact.

Please read carefully the terms of the Authenticity Guarantee and the Conditions of Business for Buyers set out in this catalogue.

Antonio Canova

In our opinion a work by the artist. In the case of 19th century sculpture this indicates that the work was made in our opinion either by the artist or by a foundry or editor who had the rights to reproduce the artist’s original model either during the artist’s lifetime or for a defined posthumous period. (When the artist’s forenames are not known, a series of asterisks, followed by the surname of the artist, whether preceded by an initial or not , indicates that in our opinion the work is by the artist named).

Attributed to Antonio Canova

In our opinion probably a work by the artist but less certainty as to authorship is expressed than in the preceding category.

Manner of Antonio Canova

In our opinion a work in the style of the artist and of a later date.

After Antonio Canova

In our opinion a copy at a later date of a known work by the artist. In the 19th century this indicates that in our opinion the work was made by a foundry or editor at a later date and apparently without exclusive rights.

Italian 18th century

In our opinion a work from that region and of that date.

Probably Italian 18th century

In our opinion a work that is likely to be from that region and/or of that date but less certainty as to the region and/or date than is expressed in the preceding category.

In renaissance style

In our opinion a work executed in the style of the renaissance but not necessarily of that period.

The term signed and /or dated and/or inscribed means that in our opinion the signature and/or date and/ or inscription are original to the model or authorized by the sculptor’s studio or editor but not necessarily from the hand of the artist.

The term bearing the signature and/or date and /or inscription means that in our opinion the signature and/or date and/ or inscription have been added at a later date.

Dimensions are given height before width

Condition of lots

Condition is only noted in the catalogue where an item is severely distressed. Prospective purchasers making commission bids without viewing the sale can be given condition reports on any lot on request.

It is essential for buyers to satisfy themselves as to the condition of lots prior to the sale and to arrange their own insurance cover against loss and damage immediately after the sale. Please refer to the Conditions of Business for Buyers.

Back to top