South German or Venetian, circa 1600

rich dark brown patina, the lion's pelt with detailed tooling, integrally cast circular base with club, on ebonised turned socle  

From the collection of Eduard Arnhold, Berlin, purchased circa 1900; thence by descent

Wear to patina, pitting, surface dirt and minor greening. Hole in base plate from casting, another drilled and fitted with a screw to attach to socle. Worming to wood socle.
"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 depiction of Hercules as an older balding man with his club at his feet is more reminiscent of a St. Jerome and is possibly an adaption of the Maderno model in the Victoria and Albert Museum.  Note also the Hercules and the Lion attributed to a South German workshop of circa 1600 in the Klosterneubeurg Stiftsmuseum illustrated by Planiscig. Although the treatment to the lion's pelt is related to those emanating from a South German workshop, the facture of the bronze is more akin to those of Venetian origin.

RELATED LITERATURE
H.Weihrauch,Europaische Bronzestatuetten, Brunswick 1968,  fig. 405