A pair of Flemish allegorical figures of Justice and Temperance, late 17th/early 18th century

mottled green-gold and red patina beneath dark brown lacquer, one inscribed DILIGITE/IVSTITIVM/OVI/IVDICATVS/TERRAM, the other TEMERATIS/HOMNIBUS/LEX/DEVS, each with inscribed monogram DVA?

Private Collector, Maryland
Christie's New York, January 13, 1993, lot 135

M. H. Schwartz (ed.), European Sculpture from the Abbott Guggenheim Collection, New York, 2008, no. 64, pp. 128-129

Overall the condition of the bronzes is good. There is some dirt, wear and abrasions to the surfaces consistent with age with some particular rubbing to the proper right hand and foot of Temperance. A few minor casting fissures around the base have led to some small losses. There are joints visible around the waist and proper left shoulder of Temperance. Implement held by Justice is later.
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.

A related pair of figures with inscriptions identifying them as Hope and Prudence are in the Saint Louis Art Museum (nos. 223:1945 and 224:1945).