This book investigates the complex and evolving practices of collecting sculpture across early modern Europe. Nicholas Penny, a renowned art historian, draws upon extensive archival research and a deep understanding of the period's artistic and social contexts to explore how sculptures were acquired, displayed, and valued by collectors, from princely cabinets to private homes. The work examines the motivations behind collecting, the networks of dealers and artists involved, and the changing aesthetic and intellectual frameworks that shaped taste and connoisseurship.

Nicholas Penny's "Collecting Sculpture in Early Modern Europe" is recognized as a significant contribution to the study of art history and material culture. Scholars and collectors alike have noted its meticulous research and comprehensive scope, highlighting its value in understanding the historical context of art acquisition. The book is considered an authoritative resource for those interested in the development of collecting practices and the appreciation of sculpture during a pivotal era in European art.