- 65
German, 17th century
Estimate
15,000 - 20,000 GBP
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Description
- swan
gilt and silvered bronze; on a later wood base with early Louis XV corner masks and further later gilt bronze mounts
Provenance
Formerly Paul Wallraf collection, London
Condition
Overall the condition of the swan is very good. There is dirt and some minor wear to the surface consistent with age. THe figure was made in sections and joints are slightly visible throughout the figure, particularly just above the feet. There is a small area of greening to the inside of the proper right leg.
There is dirt and minor wear to the gilding of the mounts on the base.
"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."
"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."
Catalogue Note
Technically and stylistically the bronze is reminiscent of the models of German goldsmiths. A late 16th-century swan by Nuremberg's Jörg Ruel from the Mannheimer collection, sold as lot 183 with Frederik Muller in Amsterdam on 14-21 October 1952, is very similar in design to the present model. The engraving and chasing of the long quills sweeping along the wings and the deep wavy indications of contour feathers recall several other silver birds of German facture. A silver gilt cock by Hans Petzolt in the Germanisches National Museum in Nuremberg is a particularly close comparison.