Probably South German, 16th century

his hirsute body cast with a cache-sexe of intertwined vine leaves with his head wreathed in further foliage, on ebonised wood plinth

This rare figure of a wildman has been restored above the left ankle as is visible in the catalogue photograph. An old fixing pin is visible on the top of the right foot and new attachment pins on the underside of the bronze. Wear to patina in parts revealing coppery colour beneath. Overall condition good, consistant with age.
"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."

Although representations of the Wild Man are to be found in many different mediums those in bronze, such as the present figure, are rare. Note the earlier bronze of a wildman attributed to the workshop of Peter Vischer (1498-1531)  of which an example was in the Von Hirsch Collection sold in these rooms 22 June 1978, lot 324, another in the Bargello, Florence as well as in the Staaliches Museum Berlin Dahlem illustrated by Bange.

RELATED LITERATURE
E.F.Bange, Die Deutschen Bronzestatuetten des 16.Jahrhunderts, Berlin, 1949, no.68; Die Wilden Leute des Mittelalters, ex.cat. Museum fur Kunst und Gewerbe, Hamburg, 6 Sept-11October 1963, no.99; T.Husband, The Wild Man, Medieval Myth and Symbolism, ex.cat. Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York 1980.