SOUTHERN GERMAN, PROBABLY NUREMBERG, SECOND HALF 16TH CENTURY | Adam

Sotheby's London, 10 July 1975, lot 27;
with Blumka Gallery/Julius Böhler, 2006;
private collection, Germany

New York, Blumka Gallery, Collecting Treasures of the Past, V, 2006, no. 45

Overall the condition of the figure is very good, with minor dirt and wear to the surface consistent with age. There are small losses to the polychromy, in particular at the high points. The polychromy seems to have been refreshed in areas, notably to the base. There are a few minor chips, including one to the tip of the nose. There is minor evidence of past worming, including to the top of the head, the chest, and the proper right leg, and both feet. There is a small rectangular insert at the top of the back. There is a label to the underside inscribed: Peter Dell d. A. / Nurnb. zugeschr. - 1530
"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."

This statuette relates to a pair of pearwood figures of Adam and Eve in the Bayerisches Nationalmuseum, Munich (inv. nos. 53/137 and 53/138), thought to have been made in Nuremberg around 1515. The more naturalistic and robust anatomy of the present Adam indicates a dating later in the 16th century.