- 91
circle of Matthias Steinl (circa 1643-1727) Austrian, circa 1700
Estimate
20,000 - 30,000 GBP
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Description
- A pair of ivory equestrian groups
- Austrian, circa 1700
one of a turk wearing a turban, the other in classical armour, on later wood plinths
Condition
Overall condition good with minor fine fissures which have discoloured with surface dirt.
.
The Turk: reins held by rider missing. The horse's back left hoof may have been reattached.
Figure in classical armour: right hand possibly replaced but definitely separately carved. The reins are missing. The horse's front right leg has been well restored in two sections and the front of the front left leg separately carved and attached but original. Minor losses to the tails
"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."
"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."
Catalogue Note
What distinguishes these ivory horses is the fine ribbon-like treatment to the tails and manes, giving the impression of movement, exquisitely undercut in a medium that requires expert skill to carve. This attention to detail is epitomised in the work of Matthias Steinl, appointed ivory engraver to the Habsburg Emperor Leopold I in Vienna in 1688 and whose work undoubtedly influenced the present pair. Note in particular the two equestrian groups of the Emperor Joseph I dated 1693 and one of the Emperor Leopold I (1711-1712) conceived as memorials to be placed in the Imperial Treasury and now in the Kunsthistorisches Museum, Vienna.
RELATED LITERATURE
W.Seipel, Kaiserliches Elfenbein, Matthias Steinl (1643/44-1727) in der Kunsthistorisches Museum, Vienna, 2007
RELATED LITERATURE
W.Seipel, Kaiserliches Elfenbein, Matthias Steinl (1643/44-1727) in der Kunsthistorisches Museum, Vienna, 2007