ATTRIBUTED TO SIMON FRIES (1652-1722)AUSTRIAN, SALZBURG, CIRCA 1700 | Saint Florian

Overall the condition of the wood is good, with some wear and dirt to the surface consistent with age. There are losses to two of the plumes of the helmet. There is also a minor loss to the surface of the neck on the proper left side. A few sections of the drapery and clouds are carved separately, with joints visible. One of these, on the proper right hand side, is slightly loose but stable. Further original joints are slightly visible, including to one of the plumes of the helmet, both elbows and the proper left foot. There is minor stable splitting to the wood, consistent with the material, notably to the Saint's proper left knee, to the proper right side of his face and chest, and to the proper right lower arm. There is wear to the gilding and polychromy throughout, including craquelure and some losses, in particular at the high points. The red ground underneath the gilding is visible in areas. There is a wood mount attached to the back as well as two metal hooks. There is also an old metal nail inserted into the back. The figure does not stand up by itself and will need to be supported.
"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 impressive seated Saint in armour undoubtedly originates from a Baroque altar in the Salzburg area. Though his attributes are lost, it is likely that the figure represents Saint Florian, the patron saint of Linz in Austria. Stylistically, the Saint relates to the work of the Swiss-born sculptor Meinrad Guggenbichler (1649-1723), who furnished Austrian churches with exuberant sculptural altarpieces. Compare, in particular, the figures of Saint George and Saint Florian in Guggenbichler's Lochen altar, who display similar plumed helmets and facial features, with aquiline noses and long moustaches (Decker, op. cit., figs. 94-97). A sculptor from Guggenbichler's circle who is likely to be responsible for the present figure is the prolific Salzburg court sculptor Simon Fries, who decorated numerous churches in and around Salzburg. See his Saint George from the High Altar of Franciscan Church in Salzburg (Bildindex Foto Marburg,
https://www.bildindex.de/document/obj20183879?part=1) and his Saint Alban in the Church of St Alban in Lamprechsthausen.

RELATED LITERATURE
H. Decker, Meinrad Guggenbichler, Vienna, 1949