Lot 77
  • 77

Attributed to Johann Christoph Ludwig Lücke (1703-1780) German, mid-18th century

Estimate
7,000 - 9,000 GBP
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Description

  • Poltrone
  • ivory, on an ebonised wood socle
  • Attributed to Johann Christoph Ludwig Lücke (1703-1780) German, mid-18th century

Provenance

Christie's London, 7 July, 1987, lot 124

Condition

Overall the condition of the ivory is good, with minor wear and dirt to the surface consistent with age. There are losses to one side of the figure's pistol. There are also some small chips, including to the edge of the figure's sleeve on the proper right arm and to the corner of his collar on the proper left side (possibly intended by the artist), and there is a small hole to the brim of the hat on the proper left side (probably intended by the artist). There is some minor stable hairline splitting to the ivory consistent with the material, notably to the calves at the back and to the proper right arm. There is some yellowing to the ivory, consistent with the material, in particular to the arms at the back. The bottom section of the figure's belt at the back has been carved flat; this may be an original feature or may have occurred later. The socle is in good condition with some wear, including a few nicks and abrasions.
"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."

Catalogue Note

This charming Commedia del' arte figure of the captain Poltrone often paired with Scaramouche can be closely compared with another in the Victoria and Albert Museum (inv.no A.17-1949). Lücke worked as a model maker for the Meissen and Vienna porcelain factories which also produced similarly inspired figures. Compare also with the terracotta relief of Poltrone in the Museum fur Künst und Gewerbe Hamburg by Lücke and dated 1729, and the two ivory reliefs of Poltrone and Scaramouche signed by his nephew Christoph August Lücke in the Staatliche Museum Schwerin, illustrated Moller (op.cit.).

RELATED LITERATURE
M. Trusted, Baroque and later Ivories, cat. Victoria and Albert Museum, London 2013, no. 76; K. A. Moller Elfenbein Kunstgwewerbe des Barock, Staatliches Museum Schwerin, 2000, nos. 29 and 20