South Netherlandish or South German, late 16th century AD. A limestone statuette of a soldier seated on a bench supporting his head on his right hand; a close-fitting morion helmet on the head with notched crest and flared neck-guard covering a full head of flowing locks which extend to the shoulders and merge with a long beard; the body enclosed in a tight-fitting mcle-cuirass with pteruges and short puffed sleeves; the bare legs extending to calf-length boots; the left arm cradling the octagonal-section shaft of a spontoon or pike, with socket to the upper end to accept the blade (absent) and horse-hair plume resting on the shoulder; probably one of the figures from a scene of Christ's Resurrection. See Levin, S., Pedemonti, N., Bruno, L., ‘Resurrecting della Robbia’s Resurrection: Challenges in the Conservation of a Monumental Renaissance Relief’ in Hamilton, E., Dodson, K., Objects Specialty Group Postprints, Volume Twenty-Four, 2017, pp. 388–412. 11.5 kg total, 41.5cm including stand (16 1/2"). Art market, France, 2012. Ex central London gallery. This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is apanied by AIAD certificate number no.11116-184115. The Resurrection was one of the more powerful images ed to promote the Christian message during the Middle Ages. It ually takes the form of a triumphant Christ stepping out of the tomb in which he had been placed after the Crucifixion while a number of Roman soldiers slumber peacefully around it. The present figure is dressed in a Renaissance interpretation of Roman military clothing, but equipped with a contemporary staff weapon. [No Reserve] [A video of this lot is available to view on Timeline Auctions .]