South German or Austrian, circa 1490

Private collection, Germany

There is dirt and wear to the surface of the stone consistent with age. The piece has been outside and so there is weathering to the surface throughout. There are a number of losses including to the visor of the helmet, to the bottom of the helmet at the chin, to the edges of the gloves, to the edges of the sword, to the edges of the body armour, to the implement in the proper right hand, and to the proper right thumb and index finger.
"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."

It was customary for stone figures of knights to adorn the façades of civic buildings in late Gothic Germany and Austria. They represented a town's military might and served as allegorical protectors. Few have survived and fewer still remain in situ. The armoured guard on the town hall of Hall made in 1522 by Hans Frosch is a rare example still in its original location. A pair of knights that closely resemble the present figure which were once on the Steipe Haus in Trier are now in that city's Museum Simeonstift. Tomb effigies of the nobility were also commonly represented in armour. A small number of upright monuments have knights modelled in the round much like the present figure. See for example the bronze effigy of Count Otto IV of Henneberg at Römhild by Vischer.

RELATED LITERATURE
J. Tavernor-Perry, Dinanderie. A history and description of mediaeval art work in copper, brass and bronze, London, 1910, p. 211, pl. XLVIII; T. Müller, Gotische Skulptur in Tirol, Bozen/ Vienna, 1976, fig. 232