Ludwig Brunow

Bismarck Museum Schönhausen, inv. no. P IX Schön. 11

There is dirt to the surface throughout, including dust and some white paint to the base. There are also some specks of white paint to the figures. The tail of the horse and the proper right arm of one of the figures at the base are lost. The rein on the proper right side is also lost. There are a few areas of greening to the base and there is some staining to the bronze, in particular to the base. There is some dark spotting to the bronze in a few areas, including to the heads. There is a lacuna below the horse's proper right hind leg, where a metal screw is visible. Otherwise the condition is good, with wear consistent with age.
"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 is a rare bronze reduction of the equestrian monument erected in Schwerin to honour Grand Duke Friedrich Franz II of Mecklenburg-Schwerin following his death in 1883. Commissioned from the sculptor Ludwig Brunow, the final work was ceremoniously unveiled in 1893 and remains the only historical equestrian monument in Mecklenburg. The present bronze was cast for the occasion of Otto von Bismarck's 80th birthday in 1895, as is revealed by its ornate dedicatory inscription.