South Netherlandish, second half 17th century

Overall the condition of the bust is very good. There is dirt and some minor wear to the surface consistent with age. There are some minor nicks, including to the tip of the nose and the proper right eyebrow. There are traces of gilding.
"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 present bust belongs to a series of portraits formerly believed to represent the Princes of Orange-Nassau but which have now been cautiously identified as busts of the Governor-Generals of the Spanish Netherlands. The largest grouping of this series are the four casts in Frankfurt, formerly belonging to the Antwerp businessman August de Ridder (1837-1911). Three of these are in the Museum für Angewandte Kunst, while the other is in the Liebieghaus. They are believed to represent Archduke Albert of Austria, the Cardinal-Infant Ferdinand, the Marquis of Castel-Rodrigo and the Marquis of Caracena.

Another bust from the series appeared in these rooms on 8 December 2006, lot 101. Interestingly, it was incised to the rear with the number '2' (the present bust is incised '8'). This may refer either to the foundry model number or to the final arrangement of the busts within an architectural framework such as a library.

RELATED LITERATURE
B. von Götz-Mohr, 'Je maintiendray. Vier bronzebüsten aus einer Bildnisreihe des Hauses Orangien', Städel-Jahrbuch, 1987, pp.252-53; B. von Götz-Mohr, Liebighaus. Nachantike kleinplastische Bildwerke, Melsungen, 1988, vol.2, pp.242-44, no.98