Attributed to Hans Peisser (1506-1571) and Pankraz Labenwolf (1492-1563) German, Nuremberg, circa 1540

Private collection, United Kingdom

Overall the condition of the bronze is good, with minor dirt and wear to the surface consistent with age. The separately-cast blade of the sword is lost. There are a few minor lacunae, in particular to the integral base and to the proper left foot. There are a few small metal pins, including to the thighs. There is minor greening to the surface of the figure throughout. There are a few nicks and scratches, including to the proper right hip and to the proper left thigh. The verde antico marble base is in good condition, with minor general wear, including a few small chips and some scratching. A piece of felt is attached to the underside and has partially peeled off.
"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."

The present bronze is a rare cast of a celebrated model, another recorded version of which is in the Germanisches Nationalmuseum, Nuremberg (inv. no. Pl.O. 2851). Thought to have formed part of a fountain, the model appears to be a pendant to the famous bronze of a Turkish Archer now in the same museum (inv. no. Pl. O. 2948). Both have in the past been attributed to the sculptor Hans Peisser and the bronze founder Pankraz Labenwolf (W. Wixom in Nuremberg, op. cit., pp. 426-427). A variant of the model was sold as part of the Cyril Humphris collection at Sotheby's New York on 11 January 1995 as lot 132.

RELATED LITERATURE
H. R. Weihrauch, Die Bildwerke in Bronze und in anderen Metallen, cat. Bayerisches Nationalmuseum, Munich, 1956, pp. 28-29, no. 34; Gothic and Renaissance Art in Nuremberg 1300-1550, New York, 1986, exh. cat., pp. 426-427, no. 235