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A Pair of North German Bronze Lions, Late 15th Century
Estimate
6,000 - 9,000 USD
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Description
each sejant upon an integrally cast chamfered plinth with one paw raised and holding an orb, mounted on later ebonized wood bases.
Condition
Overall standard wear. Circular plugs filling apertures on their backs. Uneven bottom edges. Traces of wax or lacquer. Need cleaning.
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.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING CONDITION OF A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD "AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF SALE PRINTED IN THE CATALOGUE.
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.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING CONDITION OF A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD "AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF SALE PRINTED IN THE CATALOGUE.
Catalogue Note
RELATED LITERATURE
O. von Falke and E. Meyer, Romanische Leuchter und Gefässe. Giessgefässe der Gotik, Berlin, 1935, nos. 474, 476
The lion was a popular motif in German and Flemish Romanesque and Gothic metalwork, and was found most commonly as a form for aquamanile, font supports, or candlesticks. The present pair bear filled-in apertures and marks on the back which suggest that they once served as the feet for a church candlestick or small font. Lions used as supports are more commonly seen in a recumbent position, and lions sejant are seen in only two examples documented in von Falke and Meyer, in Einbeck and Halberstadt (op. cit., pl. 474, 476). The Einbeck example sits atop a plinth similar to those seen here.