Circle of Michael Rysbrack (1693-1770), English or Flemish, late 17th/ 18th century

Overall the condition of the figure is very good. There is some minor wear and dirt to the surface consistent with age. There are a few stable naturally occurring firing fissures, particularly to the reverse and the club. There are some possible areas of restoration around the base. There is a small chip to the corner of the book and to the base under the proper right foot and a few minor further losses.
"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 female figure can be identified as Calliope, Muse of Epic Poetry, due to the presence of several heroic attributes (Persues' shield, Hercules' club and a laurel wreath) and a book. Given the incision of number VII to the reverse she clearly originates from a series of the Nine Muses, which often also included an Apollo. The loosely modelled but nonetheless finished appearance of this terracotta suggests it is one of the presentation models for a grand series of marbles.

Clearly inspired by the Antique, similar statuettes originated in Michael Rysbrack's circle, a good example being Rysbrack's Flora in the Victoria and Albert Museum (inv. A.9-1961). Several Flemish sculptors on the continent, like Artus Quellinus I and Marcus de Vos, are known to have created comparable terracotta models for large marble ensembles of such female figures.

RELATED LITERATURE
D. Bilbey and M. Trusted, British Sculpture 1470 to 2000. A concise catalogue of the collection at the Victoria and Albert Museum, London, 2002, p. 140, no. 193; The Van Herck collection. 17th and 18th century terracottas, Antwerp, 2000, pp. 64-5, no. 10; K.E. Steneberg, 'Le Blon, Quellinus, Millich and the Swedish Court ', M. von Platen (ed.), Queen Christina of Sweden. Documents and studies, Stockholm, 1966, pp. 332-364