- 437
A Hunter and Hounds: A bronze figural group, after the model by Nikolai Lieberich (1828-1883), late 19th century
Estimate
18,000 - 25,000 GBP
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Description
- bronze,
- width 33.5cm, 13 1/8 in.
dark brown patina, impressed in Russian 'sculpted by N. Lieberich/ 1860/ S. P.'
Condition
Excellent condition and a very successful crisp casting.
"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."
"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."
Catalogue Note
Colonel Nikolai Lieberich (1828-1883) was one of the first Russian artists to make the move from rigid academism to naturalism in sculpture. His works offer a glimpse into the lives of distinctive national types, including officers, hunters and peasants, as well as faithful and dynamic representation of animals. An avid hunter himself, Lieberich captures the tradition of hare hounding with precision and attention to detail. The chief whipper-in is here modelled performing the traditional preparation of the caught hare, when bits of the hind legs are offered as encouragements to the dogs, while the rest of the catch is attached to the saddle’s game straps. The sculptor’s style was praised for its simplicity and truthfulness, capturing the smallest details of the historic hunting equipment, the equanimity of the hunter and the obedient postures of the dogs. When his works were exhibited at the 1862 International Exhibition in London, an article in The Times noted that Lieberich bronzes ‘...in their perfect finish, their spirit and lifelikeness cannot be compared to anything else in this category presented at the exhibition’.