Circle of Lucas Faydherbe (1617-1697) Flemish, 17th century

The tip of the proper right index finger and the two laurel leaves held in the proper right hand are detached. There are restorations to both the hand and to the detached section. The entire proper right hand is reattached from the bracelet above the wrist, restorations are visible in this area. There are restorations to the backs of the feet and lower legs (and some at the front); it is possible that there was complete break and that the figure has been reattached at her feet. There is some splitting to the ivory consistent with material, notably at the shoulders, reverse of the proper left arm, lower back and to the backs of both legs. Splits at the proper left inner thigh, proper right inner knee, and to the back of the head on the proper right side are probably due to the root canal, which occurs naturally in ivory. There is a hole underneath the basket and a plug to the top of the ivory base (possibly again for the root canal). There is minor wear to the base. Otherwise the condition of the ivory is good with minor dirt and wear consistent with age.
"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 carving relates to two larger ivories representing Venus and attributed to Faydherbe in the Fitzwilliam Museum, Cambridge (inv. no. M 410-1985) and the Hermitage Museum, St Petersburg (Youssoupoff collection). The graceful stance and the rendering of the face and drapery comapre particularly closely. The basket of fruit and the feathers held by this figure are traditionally representative of 'taste' and 'touch'.

RELATED LITERATURE
N. Penny, Catalogue of European Sculpture in the Ashmolean Museum. 1540 to the present day, Oxford, 1983, II, pp. 127-128, no. 349; M. Jaffé, ‘Contributions to Lucas Faydherbe (1617-1697)’, Antologia di Belle Arti, Nuova serie, NN. 48-51, 1994, pp. 53-58