South German, 17th century

Overall the condition of the bronze is very good, with minor dirt and wear to the surface consistent with age. There are a few small casting flaws such as lacunae. There are a few small original plugs, including to underneath the skirt. There is an area of casting flaws at the proper right buttock. The wing of the proper right heel is lost. The wings of the helmet are lost and there are small losses to the eagle finial. The eagle finial detaches. The top of the caduceus is reattached and bent and the joint is slightly open. There are small holes in the proper right hand and forearm. There is a metal spout underneath the base with a wooden plug. There are small chips and abrasions to the marble 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 splendid figure of Mercury recalls the work of the great German Baroque sculptor Hubert Gerhard (circa 1540-1621). The pose, with one arm raised and the other lowered, is very similar to Gerhard's Mercury of circa 1590 from a private collection and displayed in the Bayerisches Nationalmuseum, Munich (Diemer, op. cit., no. G 9). However, the closest comparison is found in Gerhard's Perseus from the Perseus Fountain of 1585-90 in the Munich Residenz (Diemer, op. cit., no. G 3). Note the same elongated torso and cuirass with subtle musculature. The interest in the sandals and the swaying skirt, as well as the helmet and contraposto pose, also parallel the present bronze. Such mythological bronzes were much sought after in 17th-century Germany, with patrons often commissioning them for elaborate fountains in palace court yards or public spaces. The present bronze is an important example of this type of object, and is very finely cast; note the elaborate helmet finial with separately cast elements.

RELATED LITERATURE

D. Diemer, Hubert Gerhard und Carlo di Cesare del Palagio. Bronzeplastiker der Spätrenaissance, Berlin, 2004, vol. ii, pp. 143-145, 150-151, 219, 282-283, nos. G 3 and G 9