Netherlandish, circa 1500

numbered I to VI on the haunch, I numbered 189 in red ink on the underside, II with a white label inscribed 852C2 in black ink on the inside, IIIII with a white label inscribed 852C1 in black ink on the inside and VI with a white label inscribed BLUMKA GALLERY, a white label stamped DOUANE CENTRALE PARIS and numbered 189 in red ink on the inside

by repute from the collection Daguerre, Paris
with Ernest Brummer Gallery, Paris or New York, before 1964
with Blumka Gallery, New York

Overall the condition of the bronzes is good. There is wear and dirt to the surfaces consistent with age and handling, including several nicks, such as around the faces and edges of the bases. There are remnants of several lacquer patinas, which have all rubbed or flaked to some extent, eventhough the overall colour is good. There is some roughness to the casting and there are some lacunae due to short pourings, including to the top of the head and proper right side of the mane of number I, behind the right hind leg and edge of the base of II, to the right side and edge of the base of III, the back corner of the proper right side of IIII, under the right hind leg and the back of the base of IIIII, and to the left side of the mane of VI. Numbers II and VI have round holes to their haunches instead of the square ones that the others have. Numbers II and VI also have round holes to the corners of their bases.
"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."

Compare with the pair of 15th-century bronze lions sold at Sotheby's New York on 27 January 2011, lot 398.