CHRISTIAN FRIEDRICH HECKER (1754-1795)ITALIAN, ROME, CIRCA 1785AFTER THE ANTIQUE | Intaglio with Marcus Vipsanius Agrippa

Michel Duchamp, Paris

Overall the condition of the intaglio is good with minor dirt and wear to the surface consistent with age. There is a slight vein running from left to right through the hair at the top. There are very minor surface abrasions and a few very very minor nicks to the edges.
"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."

Little is known about Christian Friedrich Hecker's life. He was described as a Tiroler by one of his contemporaries, and in the national sensus is noted as 'Saxon'. He is first recorded in Rome in 1784, but is likely to have moved there slightly earlier. Hecker was part of a community of northern artists active in Rome, and counted Alexander Trippel and Angelica Kauffman, amongst others, as his friends. Hecker's work consisted largely of reproductions of classical sculpture, and was heavily influenced by Giovanni Pichler. He is further known to have carved a portrait of Goethe and of his mother, and also counted some British patrons amongst his clients, including Augustus, Duke of Sussex.