Louis Royer (1793-1868), Dutch School, a bronze figure of Laurens Janszoon Coster dated 1852

rich brown patination, monogrammed LR 1825 and with Gebroeders Lurasco foundry mark; inv. no. B-113

Good condition, finely cast and chiselled.
"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."

During the 19th century as in many other then mostly just emerging European countries a strong wave of nationalism swept through the Netherlands. As a result many famous real or supposed national heroes were prominently put forward in their own countries. One of the big Dutch heroes was the printer Laurens Janszoon Coster of Haarlem (1377-ca. 1440) who  was honoured as being the inventor of (book) printing against the clearly much better substanciated German claim of Johannes Guttenberg.