upon original ivory-inlaid and ebony-veneered socle

Baron Alphonse de Rothschild (1878-1942), Vienna
Seized from the above and allocated for the Kunstmuseum Linz, recovered in crate no. 2 ,1938/9 (reference AR 2608)
Restituted to the Austrian government, Kremsmünster depot, 1947
Restituted from the above to Baroness Clariceꦐ de Rothschild, New York, 1947

F. Schestag, Katalog der Kunstsammlung des Freiherrn Anselm von Rothschild in Wein, vol. I, Vienna, 1866, p. 14, no. 92
C. Theuerkauff,  'Baroque Ivories from the collection of Anselm Salomon von Rothschild in Vienna', in Apollo, v. 157, February 2003, pp. 15-25, no. 12 (illus.)
S. Lillie, Was einmal war, Vienna, 2003, p. 1002ff (inv. no. 2608)

Minor/standard surface abrasions. Small chips and losses include: a few tiny locks of her hair, part of her ribbon, 4 fingers on her proper left hand (restored), some edges of drapery, very top and bottom tip of putto's torch, a few small locks of his hair, putto's property right toes (some restored- - see old metal dowel), Pluto's proper left toes (restored), a few tiny locks of his hair (one re-attached). Her proper left arm is reattached at the elbow and the swathe of drapery behind her has some glued sections. Standard age cracks. Overall, however, the condition is quite good and the quality of the carving is extremely high. The base has endured many losses to the ivory and ebony veneer (some of which still exist) and will need some attention.
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.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING CONDITION OF A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD "AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF SALE PRINTED IN THE CATALOGUE.

RELATED LITERATURE

C. Theuerkauff, 'Una statuetta di Tritone a Londra: Opera Giovanile di Matthias Steinl?', in Antichita Viva, xi/5 (1972), pp. 49-52
L. Pühringer-Zwanowetz, Matthias Steinl, Vienna, 1996
S. Hagg, Kaiserlisches Elfenbein: Matthias Steinl (1643/44-1727) in der kunstkammer des Kunsthistorisches museums, Vienna, 2007

This elegantly composed and beautifully carved ivory group incorporates the figural types, physiognomy, mannerist proportions and billowing swathes of drapery that distinguis💯h the work of the Austrian Baroque sculptor Matthias Steinl.

Three magnificent ivory equestrian statuettes by Steinl of Kaisers Leopold I, Karl VI, and Joseph I, dating to circa 1693, are in the Kunsthistorisches Museum, Vienna  (Haag, op. cit, pp. 135-143).  These feature several of the motifs seen in the present ivory, most noticeably in the treatment of the figures and the carving of the details such as the hair interwoven with pearls.  The contrast of sharp-edged and soft forms, and the sculptor's ability to create space with the constant, varied movements of his figures also bear close affinity to the virtuoso sculptor's other documented carvings such as his ivory group of the elements, Water and Air, also in Vienna (Theuerkauff 1972, op. cit., nos. 5 and 𝕴6). The similarity in the proportions and positions of the figures as well as the use of ornamental scrolling acanthus further supports this attribution.

Theuerkauff illustrated the present sculpture, the location of which was at the time unknown, in his article on the collection of Anselm Salomon von Rothschild in 2003 (op. cit., no. 10), together with another group of Neptune Abducting Thetis.  Though the Neptune group is perhaps by a different hand, it was shown on an idenꦉtical waisted, ebony-veneered🐻 socle.

Pluto, struck by Cupid's arrow and suddenly ignited with love for Proserpina, daughter of Ceres, seized his new love&nb🤪sp;and 🐎carried her to the underworld.  At Pluto's feet the figure of Amor carries a torch leading the way, and represents Love illuminating the darkness.