Carl Dorn

bronze with light brown patina, raised on a later marble pedestal

Overall in good original condition with the usual wear to the patina in places especially to high reliefs of the composition and such consistent with handling and touching. Light scratches consistent with age. Please be aware that the surface shows spotted stains, which we believe are consistent with atmospheric damage from dust and humidity that has dried over time. Those can be professionally cleaned. Very impressive and grand scale, with good brown patina most probably of a later date.
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.

Carl Dorn (born Berlin, January 31, 1831), was a student of the sculptor Gustav Bläser (Düsseldorf 1813-Cannstadt 1874) at the Berlin Academy between 1856 and 1888. He was involved in several important Berlin expositions, and he participated in the "Große Berliner Kunstausstellung" between 1891 and 1897. He was known for portrait busts and figures on horseback, and a bust by him of Duke Wilhelm can be seen in the museum in Brunswick. The present lot is most probably Mädchen mit Schwan (Girl with Swan, from 1883), which Thieme & Becker list as a free creation; this example was cast by the well-known Berlin foundry Aktien-Gesellschaft/ vorm. H. Gladenbeck & Sohn / Bildgiesserei.
The present subject is derived from Greek mythology, in which Zeus came to Leda in the form of a swan, seducing her the same night as her husband Tyndareus, King of Sparta. This resulted in the birth of Helen and Plydeuces, children of Zeus, and at the same time Castor and Clytemnestra were born from her husband.