Attributed to Albert Jansz Vinckenbrinck (c. 1604-before 1665) Dutch, mid 17th century

The overall condition is good, there appears to be a later dark varnish to the surface. There are a number of separate, originally carved sections inserted into the figure, including two sections of the head, one larger rectangular to the back, and a smaller section under each arm. There appears to be some restoration under the chin. The ellbow section of the left arm has been carved separately and appears to have some restoration. There is a loss to the carving at the left hand. There is some restoration to the right forearm including a restored break at the wrist. There is an area of restoration to the club, fixed with a later wood dowel at the base. There are few cracks to the wood, including one on the torso. There is some minor worming.
"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 just under life-size limewood figure of the standing Hercules exhibits the hallmarks of the work of the wood-modeller Albert Jansz Vinckenbrinck.  He was the son of a cabinet maker who became known for his small sculptural objects in boxwood.  The present Hercules is particularily noteworthy for its scale.  Vinckenbrinck's most famous work is the oak pulpit in the Nieuwe Kerk in Amsterdam, illustrating the Acts of Mercy.  The figure of Goliath in his David and Goliath with Shield-bearer (c. 1648,  Amsterdam) is a compelling comparison with the Hercules, particularly in the articulation of the physiognomy and form of the figure.  Interestingly, Vinckenbrinck modelled an oak version of Hendrik de Keyser's bronze Erasmus (oak, Rijksmuseum; bronze, Grote Kerkplein).

RELATED LITERATURE
D. Franken Dan, 'Albert Jansz. Vinckenbrinck', Oud-Holland, v (1887), pp. 73–92; J. Leuwenberg and W. Halsema-Kubes, Beeldhouwkunst in het Rijksmuseum: Catalogus (The Hague and Amsterdam, 1973), pp. 192–5, 462; W. Halsema-Kubes: 'Kleinplastiek van Albert Jansz. Vinckenbrinck', Bull. Rijksmuseum., vol. xxxix (1991), pp. 414–25