Circle of Balthasar Permoser (1651-1732) German, circa 1700

Overall the condition of the wood is good. There is some minor wear to the surface consistent with age. The arms were carved separately; joints are visible at the shoulders. The reverse of the perezonium was carved in several sections. There is some splitting to the reverse including one vertical split at the back and a minor one to his hips. THere is a hole for mounting to the back of His head.
"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 finely carved corpus is characterized by the elongated torso and broad swathes of drapery moving away from the body combined with tight curls and gatherings of material. Compare this with the drapery on the ivory Cristo Vivo by Balthasar Permoser dating to 1685 in the Kunstgewerbe Museum, Leipzig, illustrated by Asche plates 49 and 50.

After training in Italy between 1675 and 1690, Permoser returned to his native Germany where he became court sculptor to Augustus the Strong, King of Saxony. He and his workshop produced finely carved small scale sculpture in wood and ivory as well as numerous large scale pieces in stone and marble.

RELATED LITERATURE
S. Asche, Balthasar Permoser, Berlin 1978, plate 50, 51