Circle of Ignaz Franz Platzer (Bohemian, Pilsen 1717 - Prague 1787), a gilt bronze allegorical group of a maiden and cherub, mid 18th century

Circle of Ignaz Franz Platzer (Bohemian, Pilsen 1717 - Prague 1787), a gilt bronze allegorical group of a maiden and cherub, mid 18th century, probably an ecclesiastical architectural element, the draped maiden portrayed embracing the winged infant above, possibly representing an allegory of Love or Devotion, with indistinct markings to the hollow cast rear, 77cm high, 30cm wide

Ignaz Platzer was one of the main proponents of late Baroque Sculpture in Prague, known for his masterful combination of the exuberant Baroque tastes of Bohemia, with the restrained classicism of Vienna, where he was trained. The present lot, with the dramatic twist of the maidens body and rotund proportions of the putto, recalls in particular the expressive gilt bronze sculptures adorning the chancel of St Nicholas Church in Prague, which hover over the nave in equally gravity-defying poses. Note for example the billowing drapery and unusual arrangement of the feet, which, when the bronze was mounted to a wall or altar, would have created the impression of floating or flying. A carved wood model of Mary Magdalene attributed to Platzer with a very similar effect appeared at auction at Neumeister Kunstauktionen in Munich on 24 June 2009, lot 352, and Platzer is known to have executed a similar polychrome and giltwood example of St Elizabeth of Hungary.

Other works by Platzer appear in the Schönbrunn Palace Gardens in Vienna and at Prague Castle.

Condition Report:
Minor marks, knocks and scuffs overall consistent with age, and rubbing to the gilding in places, particularly the recesses and in small patches overall. The drapery has a more verdigris patination overall. There is a thin band to the upper right arm of the maiden, possibly a restoration. There are two or three tiny cracks and chips to the edges of the drape, possibly from casting or small damages. Areas of the casting are a little loose, such as the toes of the maiden and the cherub's wings. There are two small drilled circular apertures to the drapery (each circa 0.5cm) probably from where the bronze was previously mounted. The work is hollow to the rear, and would probably require a stand or wall mount in order to be presented upright.