Circle of Laurent Delvaux (1696-1778) South Netherlandish, mid-18th century

Overall the condition of the terracotta is good with minor dirt and wear to the surface consistent with age. There are traces of a dark blue/black layer to the crevices. There are a few small lacunae, including to the chest. There are a number of slightly visible fissures running through the terracotta, including one from the proper left shoulder across the back down to the middle of the back on the proper right side. There are further fissures in the lion skin and to the proper left forearm. There is a fissure running down the back of the proper left lower leg, and there are some restorations where the proper left foot touches the base, suggesting that the bottom half of the proper left leg has been reattached. A section of the terrasse at the back appears to be reattached, and there are a few small losses. The surface is mottled in areas, including at the proper right arm. There is a small loss to the terracotta at the back of one of the lion claws. There are various small chips and abrasions, including to the base, and there are some possible chips to the proper right ear of the lion.
"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."

Among Laurent Delvaux's most prestigious commissions was the monumental figure of Hercules for the Palais de Charles-Alexandre de Lorraine in Brussels. Its pose derived from the Farnese Hercules, Delvaux's marble shows the demi-god erect, resting one hand on his club and holding the Apples of the Hesperides in the other. Several terracotta models for the statue are known, including an example in the Victoria and Albert Museum (inv. no. A.56-1930), which resembles the present terracotta in its vigorous modelling of the hero's physique. The present figure also compares closely to Delvaux's Hercules Resting (Jacobs, op. cit., p. 263, no. S53), yet it is unusual in representing the hero in complete repose, appearing almost fatigued. It is likely that the terracotta served as a model for a larger marble. Another version was exhibited at Caiati & Gallo in 2014.

RELATED LITERATURE
A. Jacobs, Laurent Delvaux, Paris, 1999; The Sparkling Soul of Terracotta, XVI to XIX Century Sculptures, exh. cat. Caiati & Gallo, Milan, 2014, pp. 54-59