Attributed to James Francis Verskovis (d. circa 1750) British, circa 1740 After models by Michael Rysbrack (1694-1770)

respectively inscribed: PETRUS. PAULUS / RUBENS. EQUES and: D ANTONIUS / VAN DYCK. EQUES

Overall, the condition of the ivories is good, with some dirt and wear to the surface consistent with age. There is some stable splitting to the ivory, consistent with the material, notably to the backs and bases of both figures. There are two naturally occurring circular inclusions to the ivory to the back of the Rubens figure on the proper left side. There is some yellowing to the ivory in areas, consistent with the material, notably to the proper right elbow of Rubens, and to his back. The index finger of the Van Dyck is probably restored, or possibly reattached. There is some light veining to the ivory consistent with the material, notably to Rubens' proper right elbow. There is a possible minor loss to the edge of Rubens' drapery on the proper let side. There are drilled holes to the undersides of both figures, and there are some scratches and small chips to the underside.
"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."

These superbly carved figures of Rubens and Van Dyck relate to three statuettes of Andrea Palladio, François Duquesnoy and Inigo Jones surmounting the famous Walpole Cabinet in the Victoria and Albert Museum (1743; inv. no. W.52:1,2-1925), which were carved by the Dutch-born ivory carver James Francis Verskovis, after models by the great sculptor Michael Rysbrack. The statuettes from the cabinet were identified as being by Verskovis in 1774 by Horace Walpole, who later described the sculptor as being 'an excellent carver in ivory, born in Flanders, but settled in Rome, where he was so much employed by English travellers, that he concluded he should make a fortune in England: he came over - and starved. He executed whole figures in small and vases, with perfect taste and judgement, and carved also in wood' (quoted in Trusted, op. cit., p. 175). The present statuettes compare closely in style, quality, and dimension, to those on the Walpole Cabinet. It would appear that Verskovis exploited both the taste for Rysbrack's brilliant compositions and the wider 18th-century reverence for worthies from the historical Pantheon of the Arts.

RELATED LITERATURE
M. Trusted, Baroque and Later Ivories, cat. Victoria and Albert Museum, London, 2013, pp. 176-180, no. 148