Attributed to Jan Claudius de Cock (1667-1735) Flemish, early 18th century

the medallion with a representation of Rudolf II 

Overall the condition of the marble is very good with minor dirt and wear to the surface consistent with age. There are a few small chips and abrasions, including to the edges of the medallion, to the back of the proper right shoulder, and to the edges of the socle. There is minor veining to the marble throughout, consistent with the material, in particular to the forehead, proper right shoulder and neck. There are a few small naturally occurring inclusions. The green serpentine base is in good condition. However there are losses to four of the corners and abrasions to some of the edges.
"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."

Jan Claudius de Cock is first recorded as apprenticed in the studio of the sculptor Pieter I Verbruggen in Antwerp in 1683. After Verbruggen’s death in 1686, de Cock established himself in Antwerp and then in Breda where he was commissioned by William III, Stadholder of the Netherlands to work on sculpture for a courtyard in the town. From 1697/8 he is recorded in Antwerp where he appears to have had a large workshop. This bust may be compared with the full-length figure of a young African prince in the Rijksmuseum fully signed by De Cock and dated 1704 (inv. no. BK-1972-134).

Other versions of this bust with different medallions can be found in the Victoria and Albert Museum (inv. no. A18-1913) and Temple Newsam House, Leeds. One was included in a Christie’s London sale on 29 April 1980, lot 55, and another appeared in a Sotheby’s Monte Carlo sale on 27 May 1980, lot 1167a. The different medallions may reflect the different interests of the patrons.

RELATED LITERATURE

J. Leeuwenberg and W. Halsema-Kubes, Beeldhouwkunst in het Rijksmuseum, cat. Rijksmuseum Amsterdam, The Hague, 1973, no. 339A