North Netherlandish, 1747

monogrammed and dated: G. V. M. F. 1747

Overall the condition of the bronze is good with dirt and wear to the surface consistent with age. There are some areas of repair to the edge of the hat. There are several nicks, including to the figure's back, and the skirt of the coat at the front. There is wear to the lacquer patina in a few areas, including to the proper left shoe, the rim of the hat, and the face. There are a few minor moisture stains to the lacquer patina, particularly at the legs. There are a few minor areas of greening, including to the proper right sleeve. A few original casting plugs are slightly visible, including below the proper right knee. The bronze is cast in sections; an original slightly open but stable joint is visible at the proper right shoulder. There is some dryness to the lacquer patina, including to the underside of the hat and to the chin. The mottled red marble of the base is a veneer; two of the corners either have some repaired breaks or have been applied in sections. There are a few chips and abrasions to the edges of the base. There is a filled inclusion at the top of the 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 canonneer was probably paired with a miniature cannon. A closely related bronze canonneer in the Rijksmuseum was originally on display in the arms room of the Amsterdam Town Hall. Since the monogram on the figure does not seem to be that of a known sculptor, the ensemble may have served as a tour-de-force presentation piece by a Netherlandish cannon foundry. The date born by the figure, 1747, was a significant one with regards to Netherlandish arms: the ongoing war with the French caused the authorities to ban the export of any weaponry, including cannons.

RELATED LITERATURE
H. van der Deijster and P. Bonk, Het Nederlands wonder-toneel geopend in de jaren 1747. en 1748., Leiden, 1749, p. 354; J. Leeuwenberg, Beeldhouwkunst in het Rijksmuseum, Den Haag/ Amsterdam, 1973, p. 244, no. 325