Paire de bustes de Mercure et Minerve Allemagne du Sud, Munich, vers 1770, Entourage de Ignaz Günther (1725-1775)

Mercure coiffé d'un chapeau ailé, un large manteau drapé sur les épaules, Minerve vêtue d'une armure et coiffée d'un casque orné de plumes;  sur des socles en bois peint

REFERENCES BIBLIOGRAPHIQUES
P. Volk, Rokokoplastik in Altbayern, Bayrisch-Schwaben und im Allgäu, Munich, 1981,fig. 72; P. Volk, Münchener Rokokoplastik. Bayerisches Nationalmuseum, Munich 1980, p.97-103, figs.85/86 et 90/91.

The softwood busts, propably lime or pearwood, have been stripped and were probably painted originally. There appears to be worming to the surface all over as can be seen on the photographs (photographs are more red than in reality), the surface has been pastly repolished. Minerva: The rim of the helmet appears to have been retouched and probably filled in the front. Erosion to the surface, several breaks and losses to the feathers on her head. Her face shows some worming. Her chin is formed by a separate piece of inlaid wood, which may be original. Below her proper right ear and chin appears a gap and worming which continues in the helmet. The lower edge of her armour shows a small replacement. Mercury: Tips of wings on Mercury's helmet pastly replaced. Allover worming with some repolish at several places. Old restoration and element of drapery replaced to his proper right shoulder.
"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.
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Cette belle paire de bustes en bois naturel n'est pas sans rappeler la statue de Minerve grandeur nature en tilleul, réalisée par Ignaz Günther entre 1765 et 1775 pour le Palais du comte La Rosée (Bayerisches Nationalmuseum à Munich), tout à fait caractéristique du Rococo allemand. Ignaz Günther fut d'abord formé comme ébéniste et menuisier dans l'atelier de son père Johann Georg (1704-1783) et de son grand-père Johann Leonhard (1673-1738), tous deux réputés pour leurs retables sculptés. De 1743 à 1750, il sera l'élève de Johann Baptist Straub (704-1784) à Munich, et poursuivra son apprentissage à Salzbourg puis dans l'atelier de Paul Egell (1691-1752) à Mannheim. Günther reçoit en 1754 le premier prix de sculpture à l'Académie de Vienne et sera ensuite appellé à la cour du prince Maximilien III Joseph de Bavière, à  Munich.