South German, 1593

The maiden's gilded tresses flowing over her dress chased with fleur de lys and bordered by trailing flowers, winged cherubs heads and other motifs, an applied oval enclosing the Pascal lamb and flanked by armorials, above another plaque inscribed 1593 Hoc Sacrum Caput est ex Reliquiis Sanctarum und Ecies Mille Virginum Sodalium S Ursulae, her crown of eight panels of cherub heads, set with various stones as is the border above the four cherub feet with gothic openwork frieze between, ebonised wood plinth with silver appliques. Marked PH and dated 1596 on the inside

Overall the condition of the bust is good with some wear and dirt to the surface consistent with age and some tarnishing to the silver and rubbing to the gilding. One gem is lost at the collar and another at the reverse. Some settings are loose. The coats-of-arms and the plaque with the Agnus Dei are slightly loose. The head is slightly loose and there are two holes at the temples. There are a few losses and repairs to the hair, including on the proper right side. The top of the skull was lost. There are losses to the upper edge of the base on the proper left and some losses to the silver tracery on the base.
"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."