Johann Tobias Sergel (1740-1814) Swedish, Stockholm, 1794

Friederike Karoline Wilhelmine, Queen of Bavaria (1776-1841)
and thence by family descent

There are two prominent losses at the collar of King Gustav, a further small loss to the edge of his sash and some small additional losses and minor abrasions throughout, such as to the edges of the arms. There is minor scratching to the surface. There is restoration to the underside of the socle. Otherwise the plaster is in good condition.
"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."

Sergel was one of the leading sculptors in 18th century Sweden, sculpting numerous portraits of members of the Swedish royal family. Sergel's masterpiece is his statue of King Gustav III, which stands outside the Royal Palace in Stockholm; the full scale model was completed in 1791, three years before the present plaster was made, and the bronze version erected in 1808.

There is another near-identical plaster version of the present model in the Nationalmuseum in Stockholm, which is also signed: Sergell, with double 'l', and curiously dated: 1795 (inv. no. NMSk 634).

RELATED LITERATURE
J. Andersen, U. Cederlöf and M. Olausson, Sergel, exh. cat. Nationalmuseum Stockholm, 1990-1991, Stockholm, 1990, p. 241, no. 254