The extraordinary piece is a 27-inch-tall, or 68-centimeter, marble model fashioned by the renowned Baroque master Pietro Bracci. Historical records indicate that the sculpture was originally crafted as a detailed presentation model, or maquette, for a giant bronze statue of Pope Clement XII. That monumental work had been officially commissioned by the Roman Senate to commemorate a generous and historic donation made by the pontiff to the Capitoline Museums in Rome.
While the final, full-sized bronze statue that resulted from this pitch met a tragic fate—having been melted down for scrap metal approximately 60 years after its creation—Bracci’s original presentation model miraculously survived the centuries. Believed to have been completed during the 1730s, the intricately carved marble maquette somehow found its way out of Italy and was eventually shipped to a country estate in England.
Over the generations, however, the significance of the piece was entirely lost. Falling heavily out of favor and appreciation among the estate’s occupants, the delicate Baroque artwork was unceremoniously moved outdoors, where it was relegated to the status of a common, weather-beaten garden ornament, exposed to the elements alongside countless mundane architectural cast-offs and stone fragments.
Fate intervened when a builder possessing a remarkably sharp eye for antiquities visited a salvage yard in Wiltshire. While browsing through hundreds of discarded items, the builder recognized the exceptional quality and artistic merit hidden within the weathered marble figure. Suspending disbelief, he decided to take a chance on the object, purchasing it for just 300 British pounds in the hope that he might have stumbled upon a forgotten historical treasure.
Following its dramatic rediscovery, the artifact was consigned to the esteemed auction house Woolley & Wallis. Ahead of the bidding process, specialists carefully evaluated the piece, taking into account its absolute uniqueness and the unmistakable signature of the master artist. Based on these factors, experts initially estimated that the rare marble model would fetch between $6,600 and $13,300 at auction.
Mark Yuan Richards, a furniture and works of art specialist at Woolley & Wallis, expressed profound enthusiasm regarding the find. Speaking about the significance of the recovery, Richards noted that it stands as an exceptionally exciting discovery within the art and antiques market. He emphasized that having a rare 18th-century marble figure of Pope Clement XII by Pietro Bracci suddenly come to light and be offered for public sale represents a truly remarkable opportunity for collectors and historians alike.
Furthermore, Richards highlighted the historical weight carried by the sculpture, pointing out that Bracci was undisputedly one of the greatest and most influential sculptors working in 18th-century Rome. According to the specialist, this extraordinary survivor offers art enthusiasts and historians a tangible, physical connection to the opulent world of the papal court and the breathtaking artistic splendor of the Baroque period.
As the art world watches closely to see how the market responds to this incredible piece of rediscovered heritage, the final sale price is expected to be officially published by the auction house in the near future.
