Circle of Johann Wolfgang van der Auwera (1708-1756) German, Würzburg, 18th century

The sculpture is a garden statue and so there is weathering to the surface throughout. There is dirt and wear to the surface consistent with age. There are various losses including: one of the Hydra's heads, part of the face of another of the Hydra's heads, Hercules' proper right arm and a section of his proper right foot. Much of the club is lost and a section is detached. Hercules' nose is lost and there is particular wear to the face. There are losses and abrasions to the base, particularly at the back. There are some fissures in the stone, such as at Hercules' proper left arm. There are some naturally occurring striations in the stone.
"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 dramatic depiction of a classical subject in a dynamic, stylised pose is typical of South German Rococo garden sculpture. Its most prominent representative was the Austrian Ferdinand Tietz (Dietz, 1708-1777), who adorned Franconian residences with engaging figures in symmetrical arrangements. For the outdoor sculpture in Schloss Veitshöchheim Tietz collaborated with the Würzburg court sculptor Johann Wolfgang van der Auwera (1708-1756), who shared his training background in Vienna, influenced by the impressive late Baroque groups in the imperial gardens. It is with Auwera and his immediate circle that the present figure shows an affinity. The type of stone used and the heavy limbs compare closely to the now largely destroyed Hercules groups made by Auwera and his brother, Lukas Anton, for the Würzburg residence. It is probable that the present Hercules is the work of Johann Wolfgang or one of his family members and once stood in a stately garden in the Würzburg area.

RELATED LITERATURE
F. Werner, Der Hofgarten in Veitshöchheim, Worms, 1998