Southern Netherlandish, possibly Liège, 17th century

Maison L. Michiels, Brussels, until 1958;
acquired from the above by HRH The Late Princess Liliane of Belgium, Ferme de la Converserie, inv. no. 497

Overall, the condition of the wood is good, with dirt and wear to the surface consistent with age. There are a few losses to the wood, including the lower half of St Hubert's proper right arm and to his attendant's proper right little finger. The deer antlers are carved separately in stag horn and the proper left antler is slightly loose, but stable. The wood is carved in sections, and stable joints are visible on the terrasse, including around the feet of all the figures and animals. Joints are further visible at St Hubert's cloak and to the attendant's proper right arm. The trees are carved separately, and are slightly loose, but stable. There is evidence of past worming to the wood, in particular to the deer. There are losses and flaking to the polychromy throughout, in particular to the high points.
"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."

Princess Liliane of Belgium was a skilled and devoted hunter, as depicted here (fig. 1). Saint Hubert being the patron saint of the hunters, the present sculpture would have been a fitting part of her collection. La Converserie (near Bastogne in the Belgian Ardennes), where the princess owned an estate, was the place where around 680 St. Hubert, later bishop of Liège (c. 656 –727), had his famous encounter with a stag with the crucifix between its antlers which led to his conversion to Christianity.