Manner of Giambologna (1529-1608) Italo-Flemish,17th century

the three figure group with the Sabine woman struggling in the arms of the naked Roman who stands astride the bearded Sabine man shielding his face below  

Paul Wallraff Collection

Overall the condition of the bronze is good with some wear to the surface consistent with age. There has been some repatination. There are some original casting flaws to the bronze including flaws around the woman's neck and to the left of the standing man's neck. There is a visible joint to the woman's proper right elbow. There are a number of small visible casting plugs to the standing man's proper left knee.
"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."

This bronze is a reduction of Giambologna's celebrated three-figure group of the Rape of the Sabines, executed in marble in the early 1580's and unveiled on the 14th January 1583 in the Loggia dei Lanzi, Florence. The group was extremely well received and was the subject of one of the earliest publications on a single work of art. Drawings and engravings of the composition circulated freely and stimulated the production of bronze reductions throughout western Europe.

The dark patina worn in parts to reveal the light bronze beneath, and the thick walled cast indicate a Northern, probably Netherlandish workshop of the 17th century. Compare with the cast in the Herzog Anton Ulrich Museum, Brunswick attributed to the Turkelsteyn workshop. Caspar von Turkelsteyn born 1579 and documented until 1648 is recorded as casting bronzes for the court of Archduke Albrecht of Brunswick in Brussels.

RELATED LITERATURE
A.Radcliffe & C.Avery, Giambologna, 1529-1608) Sculptor to the Medici,  ex.cat.  Arts Council of Great Britain, London, 1978, nos. 58 and 59; U. Berger & V. Krahn, Bronze der Renaissance und des Barock, cat. Herzog Anton Ulrich-Museum Brunswick, Brunswick, 1994, no.61