- 45
A William and Mary style carved limewood overmantel, titled 'La Creation du Monde' by David Esterly (b. 1944) executed in 1993
Estimate
20,000 - 30,000 USD
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Description
- Limewood
- height 46 in.; width 72 in.
- 117 cm; 183 cm
signed and dated in ink to reverse.
Provenance
Acquired directly from the artist as a commission
Exhibited
The Art of Subtraction: Carvings by David Esterly, Munson Williams Proctor Art Institute, Utica, NY, 2012
Condition
Generally in very good overall condition. The piece incorporates seven separate elements, two to each pendant and three to swag. There is very slight damage to a leaf on the pendant on the right side.
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.
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.
Catalogue Note
This superb group, evocative of the very finest late seventeenth century carving, specifically that of Grinling Gibbons, features vegetation and other food items which represent fecundity. There are cornucopia overflowing with fruit and vegetables and rich berried foliage. At the top left, partly concealed, is a zucchini and a pomegranate, inspired by an erotic passage in Giovanni da Udine's painted decoration of the Villa Farnesina in Rome. For further discussion on the work of David Esterly see a recent article by Jonathan Foyle in The Financial Times, September 18, 2015.