Four ormolu-mounted Vienna figures of aristocrats in fancy dress circa 1750-60

comprising; a lady gardener, a flautist, a galanterie seller and a peasant pretzel seller ( minor restoration to extremities)

lady gardener: minor chips to pink and yellow bows but overall in good condition. flautist: some restoration to flute. Chip to bottom of scabbard. galanterie seller: top part of object in right hand lacking. Restoration to tips of fingers on left hand. pretzel seller: restoration to riht arm, to cone held in left hand, to the stick holding the pretzels, and to the pretzels on the stick
"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."

The Viennese court was much taken with vast and elaborate fancy dress parties with guests given their roles as traders, nationalities or potentates well before the day. At the porcelain factory, both the real peasants and the aristocratic versions were modelled in great variety. Elisabeth Sturm-Bednarczyk, in her book on the subject, Ceremonies, Feasts, Costumes, illustrates the pretzel seller on p.114, no.166, together with his aristocratic counterpart, no.167.