Attributed to Caspar Bernhard Hardy (1726-1819) Germany, Cologne, late 18th century

both inscribed on a plaque to the reverse: B. KASPAR HARDY

Overall, the condition of the waxes is good, with minor dirt and wear to the surface consistent with age. The figure of the woman is loose in the frame, glue residue is visible on the background. There are minor losses to the lacing of her bodice and to the tips of her index and little finger on the proper left hand. There is a further minor loss to the rim of the beaker in the man's proper right hand. The table in the relief with the man is composed of two parts, a joint is visible and glue residue and some cloth are visible to the underside. Further glue can be seen around the attributes which have been placed on the table of the man's relief. The condition of both gilt wood frames is good, with minor rubbing to the gilding in areas, and a few minor losses to the top edge. There is craquelure to the gilding throughout.
"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."

The present charming figures modelled in wax are illustrative of Caspar Bernhard's most typical and celebrated work. Johann Wolfgang von Goethe, who met Hardy in 1815, praised his work and acquired several of his figures. The present figures compare particularly well to those contained in a secrétaire, recently at TEFAF (Georg Laue, 2016, op. cit.) and to a couple of reliefs at the Victoria and Albert Museum (inv. nos. A.1-1993 and A.2-1993). 

RELATED LITERATURE
A. González-Palacios, A Secrétair by Theodor Comer with Panels Containing Wax Figures by Caspar Bernhard Hardy, Kunstkammer Georg Laue, Munich, 2016