South German School, 17th century

Schloss Niederrödern in Saxony, confiscated during the so-called “Bodenreform” 1945-1949 by the authorities of the Soviet occupied territory in the later GDR and placed in Dresden. Restituted to the family of the present owners on basis of the Ausgleichsleistungsgesetz in 2013

All canvasses are unlined and unframed. In some panels the canvas is damaged (tears and holes) and requires attention. The paint surface is distemper, and in many of the panels there is a thinning of the paint, in others there are losses. The colours in those areas which are well-preserved are bright and the paint work clear. For all sales which take place on or after 1 February 2015, please note that the rate of buyer's premium for each lot (charged as a percentage of the hammer price achieved for that lot) has been revised and shall be calculated at the thresholds set out below: Buyer's premium is 25% of the hammer price up to and including £100,000; Buyer's premium is 20% of the hammer price on any amount in excess of £100, 000 up to and including £1,800,000; Buyer's premium is 12% of the hammer price on any amount in excess of £1,800,000. As stated above, the revised thresholds are effective as of 1 February 2015.
"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."

Castle Niederrödern, which no longer exists, was situated in Saxony, 24 kilometres northwest of Dresden. It was built in the early fifteenth century by the knights of Rödern and a series of beautiful wall-paintings dating from this period were discovered shortly before its destruction. In the mid-1500s the castle passed into the ownership of the Petzschwitz family who modified it into a Renaissance "water castle“, adding the notable feature of an outdoor winding staircase. The castle was subsequently lived in by Otto von Starschedel and during the latter half of the seventeenth century by the Barons von Taube and later still by the families von Bothmer and von Berpach. From 1752 the castle was owned by the Countess of Nassau-Saarbück, before it was taken over by the Countess von Reuss. In 1945 the castle was occupied by the Russian military, and was destroyed in 1948.