Paire de groupes d'Enfants, Allégories du Jour et de la Nuit, Belgique, fin XVIIIe siècle

Hercule Enfant, coiffé d'une peau de lion, la massue à la main, s'appuie sur un tronc d'arbre, à ses pieds un coq debout sur un faisseau licteur. L'autre jeune garçon désigne un livre ouvert, son pied reposant sur un masque de la Comédie, derrière lui une chouette, posée sur une pile de livres. Le coq et la chouette désignent cette belle paire de terre cuites comme allégories du Jour et de la Nuit.

Very good condition overall with some minor surface dirt, some discoloration of the patina and a few minor chips at several places. Allegory of the Night: The Owl's tail tio missing. His proper right index and auricular tips may have been slightly restored. There is a joint visible to his proper right shoulder, with some minor restoration to the surface. Allegory of the Day: His proper left shoulder with a small chip (1 cm) and a white stain to the back of his hair.
"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."