Spanish, Madrid, circa 1720

Comte and Comtesse Andre de Limur, Washington D.C., 1930s;
by descent to Comte and Comtesse Charles de Limur, San Francisco, 1969;
and thence by family descent

Overall the condition of the bronzes is good with wear and dirt to the surface consistent with age. There are some minor nicks and scratches including to the edges of the shields. Particularly in the mane there is some flaking and rubbing to the gilding. There are spots of greening in the crevices and to the underside. The shields are slightly loose. There are remnants of old labels to the reverse of the base.
"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 finely detailed pair of lions previously belonged to the esteemed collection of the Comtesse Ethel Mary Crocker and Compte André de Limur. Their collection included works by renowned artists such as Monet, Picasso, Kandinsky and Yeats, and their children and grandchildren continued this tradition and contributed greatly to the family collection at the Palais Royal in Paris during the 1960's. The noble couple’s impeccable taste and eye for collecting superior works is evident in the present lions, with their beautifully chased and detailed surfaces. The two lions sejant support shields bearing the arms of the city of Madrid: a madroño tree and a bear rampant, the symbol of Madrid, and the chained Moor symbolising the Islamic invasions and their defeat to the Spanish in 1492.