Franz von Stuck

Overall the condition of the object is good, with minor dirt and wear to the surface consistent with age. The patina is deliberately oxidised, giving it an attractive, dark appearance. There is dust to the interior of the shell part, and minor polish residue in the crevices throughout. A few stable original joints are slightly visible, including at Cupid's and the putto's upper arms. The feather of the arrows in the quiver are reattached. There is wear to the patina to Cupid's proper left thigh and his ankles. There are a few minor nicks, including to the edge of the shell. There is some greening to the head of the tortoise. The section with the dolphin and putto is very slightly loose but stable. The base rocks slightly on an even surface.
"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."

Von Ostini records that the Nautilus was one of the first sculptural works created by Stuck, pre-dating the Glaspalast exhibition in Munich in 1892 (when he displayed the famous Athlet) and finding its origins in two illustrations that Stuck designed in the 1880s: firstly a drawing for the Allegorien und Embleme portfolio published by Gerlach & Schenk, Vienna 1882/84, vol. 2, no. 82; and secondly for a calendar illustration for the month of October published in the Fliegende Blatter, 1889, no. 2306.

Stuck himself owned a bronze version of the present model which mounted a real nautilus shell and appears as a prop in some of his paintings.  It stood on his living-room cabinet until 1909 (see Bierbaum, op. cit., p. 79). The present version, executed by WMF, Geislingen, is particularly rare for its attractive dark patina. 

RELATED LITERATURE
O. J. Bierbaum, Franz Stuck, Munich, 1893, p. 79; F. von Ostini, 'Franz Stuck' in Nord Und Süd 19, vol. 73, Munich, 1895, p. 322; J. Birnie Danzker, Franz von Stuck: Die Sammlung des Museums Villa Stuck, Munich, 1997, p. 165, no. 53