A gilt-metal-mounted Meissen group of 'Spanish Lovers' circa 1740-45

modelled by J.J. Kändler, the gentleman wearing an iron-red jacket with yellow bows, a blue-lined chamois cape and black breeches, his companion wearing a yellow hat with purple ribbon, gilt-trimmed grey bodice, white crinoline skirt with indianische Blumen and purple underskirt, the base applied with leaves and flowers, on a later gilt-metal base with elaborate scrollwork and leafy branches issuing from the rear attached with porcelain flowers (her head restored, one side of her crinoline skirt restored, ler left and his right hands restored, restoration to his lower left leg)

Her hat and associated ribbons are restored also some restoration to her head and through her neck. Both left hands are restored and there is some spray to her right arm and waist. His left leg and both shoes are restored. There is extensive spray, some repainting and regilding to her skirts particularly at the back and on the folds at the front, the complete underside of the skirt is sprayed over. The base appears to have been in half and restored and a crack restored also the flowers restored. The applied flowers have typical minor chips, the base has three small drilled holes, there are three other small holes, and some wear to the gilding and the well for the figure is significantly too big.
"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."

See Meredith Chilton, Harlequin Unmasked, pp.300-301, for the example of this model in the Gardiner Museum, Toronto, and a list of other published examples. The model is not recorded in Kändler's surviving work records. Another example, formerly in the René Fribourg Collection, was sold in these Rooms, 24th May 2006, lot 24.