After François Duquesnoy (1597-1643), Flemish, circa 1700

Overall the condition of the bronze is good. There is some minor dirt to the surface. There is wear throughout including many scratches and areas where the patina has been completely rubbed off such as at the little finger of the proper right hand, abdomen, proper right knee and proper right foot. The figure was cast in pieces and the joints are visible at both upper legs, upper arms and wings. There are a few minor lacunas due to casting flaws in the crevices.
"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."

The present bronze is a mirror image of the small Cupid that normally accompanies Duquesnoy's bronze Apollo. Boudon-Machuel (op.cit.) mentions several oppositely oriented versions of the Cupid, including one in the Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum, Boston (inv. no. S26e6) and one formerly in the Staatliche Museen, Berlin (M35). A third was offered at Christie's London on 8 December 1992, lot 107.

RELATED LITERATURE
M. Boudon-Machuel, François de Quesnoy 1597-1643, Paris, 2005, pp. 327-328, no. 119