A porcelain figural group: 'The Madonna and Child with the Infant Saint John', August Spiess, Imperial Porcelain Manufactory, circa 1860-1875

with incised Cyrillic signature, on a circular porcelain plinth

There is restoration to the firing crack around the toes and the lower hem of the Virgin's robe and further restoration to the fingers and toes of Jesus. Jesus' head was broken and restored. The cross held by Baby John the Baptist is broken and lacking and there is restoration to his lambskin . There are further minor firing flaws and cracks.
"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 works created by A. Spiess vary greatly in their subject matter.  They include cupids, graceful gardeners and flower girls, court ladies and cavaliers, mythological figures, Commedia dell'Arte personages, and so on.  Spiess' technique and range of subject matter were more often than not inherited from earlier centuries.  The copying of earlier models mirrored not only the mood of the period, but also the personal tastes and convictions of the sculptor.  The current sculptural composition is a free reworking of Renaissance Italian sculpture, its type referencing the Italian master, Lucca della Robbia, whose work could be widely seen in the collections of the State Hermitage.  The practice of making copies of paintings and other works of art from the State Hermitage was widespread among the artisans of the Imperial Porcelain factory in the middle of the second half of the 19th century.  It is by following in the footsteps of the greatest factory craftsmen that Spiess created the figures of the Madonna and Child with St John the Baptist.  Compositions depicting the Virgin Mary with the Christ Child were incredibly popular during the period under discussion and were continuously reworked by Russian porcelain makers for the decoration of Easter eggs, ornamental surfaces and so on.