North Italian, 12th century

the top inscribed: 466 in ink

Prince Johan II of Liechtenstein (1840-1929), Rossau Palace, Vienna;
and thence by descent, Schloss Vaduz, Liechtenstein, by 1999;
sold Christie's Amsterdam, Property from the collection of the princely house of Liechtenstein, 1 April 2008, lot 30A

Given the age of the object and its architectural function the condition is relatively good and stable. There is general dirt and wear to the surface, including chips, consistent with age. There are some losses to the surface, including to the back right bottom corner. There are also some smaller losses to the top and bottom edges, including to the top left back corner (possibly). The faces of the two birds at the back are uncarved. There are some abrasions and chips to the birds, notably to the chests and feet of the front birds.
"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 eagle appears on capitals across Europe in the 12th and 13th century. A comparable example from North Italy with eagles with their wings spread and triangular feathers at the chest is in the Victoria and Albert Museum (inv. no. A.92-1929). Similar eagles can also be found on the marble capitals from Roussillon in Southern France now in the Toledo Museum of Art, Ohio (inv. no. 34.93D). The more elongated birds, based on Byzantine models, seen on the present capital suggest an Italian origin. Since one side of the capital is slightly weathered it was probably part of a dwarf gallery on an upper story of the external wall of a church with one side exposed to the elements.

RELATED LITERATURE
P. Williamson, Catalogue of Romanesque sculpture, cat. Victoria and Albert Museum, London, 1983, pp. 84-85, no. 39; W. Cahn (ed.), Romanesque sculpture in American collection. II. New York and New Jersey, Middle and South Atlantic States, the Midwest, Western and Pacific States, Turnhout, 1999, pp. 190-191