A French gilt-bronze lacquer and Meissen porcelain mounted temple, the porcelain mid-18th century and later, the mounts late 19th century

elaborately conceived as a temple to Minerva, the Meissen model holding a spear in her left hand and reaching to her medusa-masked shield with her right, upon on a pedestal base, flanked by two Meissen herms emblematic of Autumn and Winter, below a gilt-metal canopy supporting an array of porcelain flowers held aloft by four scroll moulded pillars encrusted with flowering vine tendrils, upon gilt-metal galleries applied with vines issuing porcelain flowers, the base edged with gilt-bronze rocaille, Minerva with traces of crossed swords mark in underglaze-blue to rear of base,

Christie's Geneva, 30th April 1975, lot 145.

The two herm figures have some restoration to the back edge of their bases. Minerva's right forearm, helmet and tip of staff have been restored and there is an area of restoration to the top edge of the pedestal on which she stands. Each of the porcelain columns have a patch of over-painting on one side of the square feet. The porcelain flowers are generally in good condition with some typical minor scattered chips. To the mount, there is some typical tarnishing consistent with age throughout. The piece would benefit with a light cleaning. One branch issuing flowers around the base is loose and broken, also two other small branches missing.
"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."