Lot Essay
The similarities between the present work and an ivory equestrian portrait of Leopold I, circa 1688, by Matthias Steinle are striking. Not only are their strong physiognomic parallels (i.e the jutting chin, the treatment of the facial hair as well as other strong Hapsburg characteristics), but the manner of depicting the king are also similar.
Both artists portray their subject on a rearing horse with curly tail, wearing a swirling cape with fur collar, and crowned with a laurel wreath and the Order of the Golden Fleece. The most unusual element in these portraits, the presence of pistols should also be compared. The present carving, although not as masterly as the works by Steinle is in this German, late 17th, early 18th Century tradition of kleinplastik.
Both artists portray their subject on a rearing horse with curly tail, wearing a swirling cape with fur collar, and crowned with a laurel wreath and the Order of the Golden Fleece. The most unusual element in these portraits, the presence of pistols should also be compared. The present carving, although not as masterly as the works by Steinle is in this German, late 17th, early 18th Century tradition of kleinplastik.