A 'GRAND TOUR' CARVED BUST, POSSIBLY OF THE EMPEROR VITELLIUS PROBABLY ITALIAN, 19TH CENTURY Carved white marble head on darker stone torso, plain toga83cm high, 85cm wideThis lot bears close similarities with lot 264 from Christie's auction of Collection de Maître et Madame Michard-Pellissier, Un appartement décoré par Victor Grandpierre, Paris 27th June 2007. Catalogued as Italian School, 18th Century, bust of the Emperor Vitellius with provenance from Charles de Beistegui, The Palais Labia in Venice. The Christie's example shows a softer handling of the hair and more refined but equally plain toga. Unlike this example it lacks the curled folds of the undershirt around the neckline.Overall there are scratches, marks, scuffs and abrasions consistent with age and use. Moreover self evidently this has been outside and has weathered with consequential discolouration, lichen, etc.The surface with numerous areas of weather and atmosphere spotting, which looks to be engrained. However, the surface finish is quite smooth without much granulation.The head is quite loose on the torso and there is old restoration around the cloth to neckline. A section missing to back neck. The edges of torso with some chips and losses notably to arms and lower edge.Due to the weight of the piece we have not been able to examine the underside.Please see the additional photographs as a visual reference of condition.