Giovanni Bernardi da Castelbolognese (1496-1553), The Punishment of Tityus (or Prometheus), oval bronze plaquette, the prostrate figure attacked by the vulture; signed below, IOHANES B, 69.5mm x 91.4mm (Molinier 333; Bange 875; Donati (1989), p. 80, pl. XV and (2011), p. 23), twice pierced, very fine early cast, brown patina. This is derived from the rock crystal intaglio now in the British Museum (1867.0507.739). The composition is after a drawing by Michelangelo originally given to his lifelong friend Tomasso de’ Cavalieri, now in the Royal Collection (RCIN 912771). A bronze gilt example was sold in these rooms, 27 June 2018, lot 164.

Estimate: GBP £1’000 - £1’500