Attributed to Christian Jorhan the Elder (1727-1804) South German, second half 18th century

with Galerie A. Mehringer, Munich

Overall the condition is good with dirt and wear to the surface consistent with age. The arms are carved separately and joints are visible.The proper left index finger and thumb are reattached. Three of the fingers of the proper right hand, and possibly the thumb, are reattached and partially restored. There is stable splitting throughout consistent with material. There are a few larger filled splits, including to the thorax, drapery above the proper right thigh and to the front of the base. The ears of the lamb are carved separately and are possibly reattached. There is non-active worming, particularly to the left arm. Remnants of original polychromy survive. There are a few small wood plugs including to the neck at the right side. There is staining to the top of the head and upper back.
"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 impressive figure of St. John the Baptist can be attributed to the South German 18th-century Rococo sculptor, Christian Jorhan. It compares closely with another wood figure of the Baptist by Jorhan adorning his altarpiece in the Wallfahrtskirche in Maria Thalheim, Bavaria (Schmidt, op. cit., pp. 108-9). Note, in particular, the similarly conceived fur-lined drapery, beard and tufts of hair on the Saint's head. The present figure's strong brow, prominent cheekbones and downcast eyes compare closely with one of the Evangelists from the altar by Jorhan in Altfraunhofen (Schmidt, op. cit., p. 170). In terms of the physiognomy, a close parallel is found in a sculpture of St. Sebastian in the Pfarrkirche in Wolnzach (Schmidt, op. cit., pp. 204-5). The almost skeletal thorax, slender fingers, thin legs and large feet are very similar to those seen in the present sculpture, and would indicate that both works were made by the same hand.

RELATED LITERATURE
O. Schmidt and W-C. von der Mülbe, Christian Jorhan d.Ä. 1727-1804, Riemerling, 1986, pp. 108-109, 170 and 204-205