Attributed to the Maucher Family workshop Probably Johann Michael Maucher (1645-1701) German, Schwäbisch Gmünd, circa 1680

with green labels marked: SAMMLUNG J.J. LUDWIG on the underside of the ivory and the base and a typed label inscribed: Elfenbein-Jagddarstellung "Hirschtod." Kunstkammerstück deutsch um 1680 von Johann Michael Maucher geboren 16. August 1645 in Gmünd.

J.J. Ludwig, Regensburg,
Nagel Auktionen Stuttgart, 6 December 2007, lot 471

Overall the condition of the ivory is good. There is some wear and dirt to the surface consistent with age. There is some minor stable hairline splitting visible on the surface consistent with material, particularly on top. There are a few small restorations, including to the proper left knee of the stag, its lower jaw and the proper left hind leg of the dog that leans across the stag's chest. There is a small fill and a further irregularity to the stag's chest where the root canal would have run.
"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 intricately carved ivory sculpture was made for the hilt of a hunting sword or knife and would have formed part of a ceremonial garniture, composed of a rifle, powder flask, sword and knife. The present ivory can be closely compared with those from the Maucher workshop, in particular those pieces signed by or attributed to Johann Michel Maucher. Note the powder flasks in the museum of Schwäbisch Gmünd illustrated by Ehmer (op.cit.) carved with a cluster of hounds, stags and other hunting animals and another in the Cleveland Museum of Art (inv. no.19161887). This design of hounds in pursuit of game as well as other equestrian and huntings scenes, inspired by the prints of Hans Collaert, can also be seen on the ewer and dish attributed to Maucher in the Louvre illustrated by Malgouyres (op.cit.) .

RELATED LITERATURE
R. Berliner, Die Bildwerke in Elfenbein, Knochen, Hirsch- und Steinbockhorn, cat. Bayerischen nationalmuseums, Munich, 1926, nos. 212-215 and 832-837; A. Ehmer, Die Maucher. Eine Kunsthandwerkerfamilie des 17.Jahrhunderts aus Schwäbisch Gmünd, Schwäbisch Gmünd, 1992, pp. 168-169, no. C I 41; P. Malgouryes, Ivoires de la Renaissance et des Temps modernes, cat. Musée du Louvre, Paris, 2010, nos. 108-199