Early 18th century marble study – £29,000 at T.W. Gaze.
The 2ft (60cm) high unsigned piece - thought to represent the infant Hercules with the head of Holofernes - came for sale from the estate of the Kent artist Gordon Davies who was understood to have acquired it on the continent some 30 years ago.
Telephone and room interest took it rapidly beyond the £3000-5000 guide price to £29,000 (plus 12.5% buyer's premium).
The auctioneers said the winning bid was made a Gloucestershire private buyer.
