Italian or Netherlandish, 18th century

Overall, the condition of the terracottas is good, with some wear and dirt to the surfaces consistent with age. Each animal is composed of two sections, joining at the abdomen. There is fill inside both front sections, with terracotta struts which are partially lost. The fill inside the back sections appears to have been removed, and therefore the two sections of each animal fit together loosely. The terracottas appear to have been outside, which has led to some dirt on the surfaces. There is a slip to the terracottas, which may conceal some condition points. The tip of the bull's proper left horn appears to have been reattached. There are a few stable fissures as the result of firing, notably one to the back of the bull, to the proper right side of the bull, one around the lion's proper right hind leg, and another on the proper left back leg of the lion where the surface has a whiteish colour. There is a small possible area of restoration to the lion's nose at the top, and another possible restoration to the bull's proper left ear. There is a series of small pits to the surface, in particular at the back of the lion. There are a few chips, including to the bull's proper left front hoof, the bull's neck, the inside of his proper left front leg, to the lion's proper left ear, on the edges where the sections meet, and around the edges of the terrasses. There are a few areas with small lacunae to the surface, including to the bull's neck on the proper right side and to his haunches at the top. There is particular dirt to the back section of the lion on the proper right side and to the terrasse.
"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."