Giovanni Marchiori (1696-1778).
Bust of Flora. 
Terracotta.
Wooden rocaille carved stand.
Venice, circa 1750.

Two similar busts of this Flora (or Venus) by Giovanni Marchiori are known.

The marble, which is believed to be the finished version of the work, is kept in the Museo Civico di Revisio. The other model, also made in terracotta, has a more elongated neck and is in private hands, it comes from the Sangiorgi collection. These two other versions rest on a carved wooden base with rockery decoration of the same model as this one.

This beautifully crafted bust is a fine example of the beginning of the neoclassical style which is expressed through the subject's features and hairstyle which are inspired by Antiquity. 

Exhibition :
A similar model presented at the exhibition Eblouissante Venise, les Arts et l'Europe au XVIIIe siècle, at the Petit Palais Museum.