A 16th century German (Nuremberg) bronze figure of a nude man

shooting with a bow and arrow (lacking), stamped with the 'C' couronné poinçon, French customs mark 1745-49, dark brown patination, raised on a later rectangular marble base, restorations, 24cm high - Sold for £3,200 plus Premium and tax

Provenance: Purchased from Christies 1.7.97, lot 67.

Note : The statuette is extremely heavy and may be presumed to be cast solid; this, and the treatment of facial features, suggests an origin in a German foundry. The subject is probably Hercules shooting at the Stymphalian birds, one of his famous 'Labours'.

Bonhams. Early European Works of Art and Sculpture, including The Avery Collection, Knightsbridge Furniture, Carpets and Rugs, 11 Dec 2007. Knightsbridge