Attributed to the Workshop of Guillielmus de Grof (1676-1742) German, Munich, first half 18th century

Overall the condition of the bronzes is good with minor dirt and wear to the surfaces consistent with age and handling. There are a number of small lacunae, in particular to the group with a dog, such as under the male putto's proper left leg and at the drapery on the female's back. There are some smaller casting flaws to both bronzes. The bronzes have been cast in sections and a number of casting joins are visible - group with a dog: upper arms of both putti (joint at female's proper left arm is slightly open), the top of the dog's left leg (there are also plugs and the leg is loose) and at the side of the right leg (joint is open); group with a monkey: at the upper arms of the putti (joint at right putto's proper left arm is slightly open with a few spots of greening) and at the monkey's proper right shoulder (slightly open). There is a large lacuna/ open joint underneath the monkey which is partially filled with probably original plugs. There are a few slightly visible casting plugs, including at the male putto's right shoulder and upper back in the dog group. There is a screw in the ground, entering the right putto's proper left heel in the monkey group and another to the back of the dog group.
"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 groups are taken from the same models as a pair of bronzes in the Bayerisches Nationalmuseum, Munich (inv. nos. E 2015 and E 2016), which are almost identical, except for their simpler, non-striated, bases. Weihrauch relates these to other models attributed to De Grof's workshop and suggests that their compositions may derive from the sculptor's models for the gardens of the Nymphenburg and Schleißheim palaces (Weihrauch, op. cit. p. 199).

RELATED LITERATURE
H. R. Weihrauch, Die Bildwerke in Bronze und in anderen Metallen, cat. Bayerisches Nationalmuseum, vol. XIII, 5, Munich, 1956, pp. 198-9, nos. 241-2