A PAIR OF MEISSEN PORCELAIN ORMOLU-MOUNTED FIGURES OF SPARROWHAWKS THE PORCELAIN CIRCA 1740, THE ORMOLU LATER

modelled by Johann Joachim Kändler, each perched on a leafy tree stump with its prey, one attacking a mouse, the other with its beak buried in a lark, mounted on a foliate scrollwork ormolu base.

Sotheby Parke Bernet, Inc. New York, The Collection of Nelson A. Rockefeller, April 11, 1980, lot 181, illustrated

Philadelphia, 103rd Engineers Armory, University Hospital Antiques Show, April 1970

One with dead bird: the end sections of both wings are broken and restored, possibly with some areas made up; its tail has been broken and restored; some of the leaves are restored; one of the dead bird's feet is restored. One with mouse: ends of both wings and tail broken and restored; the leaves are made-up restorations; several talons are restored; and one of the branches of the stump is restored.
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.

Kändler's work records mention his modelling of a sparrowhawk with a lark in April 1734: "Ein Rittelweibgen oder Lerchen Geyer welches vorgestellet in Lebens Größe, wie es eine Lerche frißt, ruhet auf einem verzierten Postament" [A Rittelweibgen or Lerchen Geyer (Lark Vulture), which is depicted in life size, as it eats a lark, resting on a decorated pedestal].

Two examples are illustrated by Carl Albiker, Die Meissner Porzellantiere, (1935), pl. XXVIII, nos. 104 and 105, who, on p. 110 dates Kändler's model of the sparrowhawk with a mouse to 1739, and by Gerhard Röbbig, Kabinettstücke, Die Meissener Porzellanvögel von Johann Joachim Kändler, 1706-1775, p. 107, cat. no. 11. A similar pair of sparrowhawks was sold in these rooms, Property from the Estate of Laurance S. Rockefeller, October 11, 2005, lot 205. Another pair was sold at Christie's New York, Property from the Estate of Mrs. Charles W. Engelhard, March 18, 2005, lot 34.