ANGLO-FLEMISH, CIRCA 1680 | Relief with a Man

Collection of the Dukes of Devonshire, Chatsworth House, Derbyshire;
by descent to Peregrine Andrew Morny Cavendish, 12th Duke of Devonshire (b. 1944), Chatsworth House, Derbyshire;
his sale, Chatsworth: The Attic Sale, Sotheby's, Chatsworth, 5-7 October 2010, lot 63

Inventory of Pictures at Devonshire House, n.d. (c. 1900s) attenda no. 132 'Marble Relief Plaque English-Dutch School XVII Century. ? Portrait of Lord Falkland

Overall the condition of the marble is good, with some wear and dirt to the surface consistent with age. There is light staining and dirt marks to the marble throughout. There is a restored fracture to a natural open vein running through the left hand side of the background of the relief; some discoloured fill is visible in this area. There are a few slight abrasions at the high points, and in particular around the edges of the marble. There is some dark colouring to the eyes. There is particular dark staining to the back of the relief. Two iron struts are inserted into the back to support the section divided by the open vein. There is some general wear to the wood frame.
"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 evocative relief of a man recalls portraiture from the second half of the 17th century. A possible contender for the attribution of the present relief is the Danish sculptor Caius Gabriel Cibber (1630-1700) who worked at Chatsworth on the altarpiece figures in the chapel and the fountain with sea horses.