Circle of Matthias Steinl (c. 1643-1727) Austrian, circa 1700

Sotheby's, London, 6 July 2007, lot 91

Overall the condition of the ivory is good with minor hairline fissures, which have discoloured with surface dirt. There are a few small ivory plugs. There are minor losses to the tails. Sultan: the reins held by rider are missing. A portion of the horse's back proper left hoof may have been reattached. The hands appear to be reattached, and are possibly replaced. The proper right thumb is reattached. There is a larger plug to the horses's belly, possibly for the tip of the root canal. Emperor: the right hand is possibly replaced, it is certainly separately carved. The reins and the baton are associated. The horse's front proper right leg has been well restored in three sections; there is also a plug here. The lower section of the horse's front proper left leg is separately carved and reattached, but is original. The bases are associated
"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."

What distinguishes these ivory horses is the fine ribbon-like treatment to the tails and manes, giving the impression of movement, exquisitely undercut in a medium that requires expert skill to carve. This attention to detail is epitomised in the work of Matthias Steinl, appointed ivory engraver to the Habsburg Emperor Leopold I in Vienna in 1688 and whose work undoubtedly influenced the present pair. Note, in particular, the two equestrian groups of the Emperor Joseph I dated 1693 and one of the Emperor Leopold I (1711-1712) conceived as memorials to be placed in the Imperial Treasury and now in the Kunsthistorisches Museum, Vienna.

The choice of subjects is likely to reflect Austrian interest in the interaction between Europe and the Islamic World, following The Great Turkish War, which culminated in the Battle of Vienna in 1683, when the Holy Roman Empire inflicted a decisive defeat upon the invading forces of the Ottoman Empire.

RELATED LITERATURE
W.Seipel, Kaiserliches Elfenbein, Matthias Steinl (1643/44-1727) in der Kunstkammer des Kunsthistorischen Museums, Vienna, 2007