Flemish, probably Antwerp, circa 1510-1520

with an old label under the fame printed: Nachgesandt von Haus Henkell Wiesbaden Beethofenstrasse 5 inscribed: Rückmann f. Relief Reiter ...

Otto Henkell, Wiesbaden, Germany, before 1926;
and thence by descent;
on loan to the Liebighaus, Frankfurt from circa 1940 to 2011

Overall the condition of the relief is good. There is dirt and wear to the surface consistent with age, including a lot of surface dust. There is wear to the paint throughout, including a number of areas of flaking, including to the face of the rider in the back, his horse, face of the rider in the front and the legs of his horse. There are a few areas of overpainting. There are a few minor losses, including to the tips of the ears of the horse in the back, the fingers of the proper left hand of the rider in the front and the reign of the front rider. There are a few stable naturally occurring splits to the base. The relief is mounted on a velvet covered wood board, the velvet having overall dirt and wear to the surface. The frame is built up from sections and has wear, dirt and losses to the painted gilding throughout.
"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."