A Meissen group of pastoral lovers circa 1740

modelled by J.J. Kändler, standing under a tree, the gentleman kissing his companion's hand, she wearing a turquoise bodice with  yellow bows, a purple skirt with indianishe Blumen and a red-striped underskirt, a crook in her right hand, the gentleman wearing a gilt-trimmed chamois jacket with black breeches, holding a yellow and blue hat with gilt trim behind his back, the base with two sheep and a dog amidst applied leaves and flowers, a squirrel perched on the top of the tree

Female- restoration to one half of the yellow bow on right sleeve. Chip to her little finger of right hand. top of crook lacking. Thumb on left hand lacking. Restoration to right shoe and with a chip to the toe. Male- repaired break across left leg above knee. Restoration to both feet. The lamb on the centre of base has restortaion to its left ear, left front leg, left hind leg and tail. The dog has been broken off its base. Each of its legs has been restored. The right hand side of the base from the base of the tree to the right edge has been extensively restored with restoration to the applied flowers and fruit and some repainting. There is a restored break to the left hand side of the base with some losses and chips to applied flowers and leaves. Extensive chips to the branches and leaves on tree.
"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."

Modelled by Kändler between April and July 1738, and mentioned in his overtime records: "Ein sauber angekleideter Schäfer mit deßen Compagnionin, welche er bey der Hand führet und selbige küßet, sie stehen unter einem grünen Baum mit zwei ausgearbeiteten Schäfgen und einem Hund." A similar group was sold by Sotheby's in Zürich, 27th November 2000, lot 109.