Southern Italian, Sicily, circa 1720

the base inscribed: CAROLE TV DOMINVS DOMITOR / TV EVGENIVS ORBIS / SORS MERITO DISPAR / PAR IN VTROQUE FIDES, and with an old label inscribed: 230 to the top of the base

Overall, the condition of the marble is good, with dirt and some wear to the surface consistent with age. The marble would benefit from a professional clean. The eagle's proper right wing has two restored breaks to the tip, the joints are slightly open and some glue residue is visible. There are also some joints visible at the Augsburg Emperor's proper left foot and to the beak of the eagle's lower head, and below the chain below the beak. These joints have some white fill. There are a few minor losses, including to the Emperor's cloak on the proper left shoulder, to the tips of some of the laurels, to the chain at the beginning of the neck of the eagle's upper head, and to the shaft of one of the keys in the figure's hands. There also appear to be losses to the tips of the draped weapons at the back. There are a few minor chips and abrasions, including to the high points of the noses and hair. There are several minor scratches to the marble, and notably one dark line running down the Emperor's proper left leg. This is probably dirt, but may still be visible on the marble after cleaning. The wood part of the base is loose. There is general wear to the wood, including some losses to the gilding and some stable splitting consistent with the material. The marble base is in an overall good condition, with some wear and dirt. This includes several chips and abrasions to the edges and corners, wear to the paintwork in the inscription and several scratches throughout. The coloured marble is applied in veneer, with joints visible. There is some abrasive rubbing to the figures at the front of the base. There is particular wear to the base where the sculpture will have been placed.
"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."

This magnificent sculptural group commemorates the role of Prince Eugene of Savoy as commander of Austrian forces during the War of the Quadruple Alliance waged by the Holy Roman Empire and her allies against Spain in the Mediterranean between 1718 and 1729. In the group, the Holy Roman Emperor Charles VI stands high upon an eagle, his foot placed upon a globe, and hands Prince Eugene a baton, symbolic of military power. Prince Eugene's role as a soldier is further highlighted by the shield held at his left arm. The multifigure composition of the group, together with the elegant inlaid base, is typical of South Italian and Sicilian sculpture circa 1720-1750, and is reminiscent of the work of Giuseppe Sanmartino (1720-1793). See the group attributed to Sanmartino sold in these rooms on 8 December 2009, lot 75.