Simon Troger (1683-1768), Boxwood and Ivory Figure (German).
 
A boxwood and ivory figure of a mercenary, 19th century, German, attributed to Simon Troger, modelled wearing a fez hat, a sword and two pistols in his waistband.

The figure was created in the workshop of Simon Troger (1693-1768) around the middle of the 18th century. Troger was an Austrian sculptor under the Bavarian electors, specialising especially in ivory. He had his own studio near Munich, in Haidhausen, from 1733. Since the Munich court of the Elector under Maximilian III Joseph of the Wittelsbach dynasty (Elector 1745-1777) had plenty of ivory in stock, this material was available to him in surplus. Troger's figures served mostly as objects of representation and as princely ceremonial gifts.

The contrast between the dark wood and the light ivory creates a visually evocative composition, emphasizing the exposed areas of skin through a refined play of chiaroscuro.In the context of the 18th century, representations of beggars or figures from the lower social classes also had moral and educational significance, evoking religious themes of charity and compassion. These sculptures, therefore, may have held not only aesthetic value but also a didactic or symbolic purpose, inviting the viewer to reflect on the fragility of the human condition.

His works are designed to evoke realistic and highly expressive figures, representative of an era when art sought to capture and convey social and spiritual realities. Under the patronage of Elector Maximilian III Joseph of Bavaria (1727–1777), Troger became one of the most renowned ivory sculptors of his time, receiving commissions from many European courts. He also produced numerous monumental works, such as the famous group preserved in the Palazzo Madama in Turin, composed of the Sacrifice of Isaac and the Judgment of King Solomon, each over two meters tall, depicting biblical, mythological, and popular scenes, including beggars and street musicians.

His works are held in prestigious private and public collections, such as the Hermitage Museum, Dresden, Vienna, and Munich, among others, confirming the artistic importance of his production.
 
CONDITION:
 
Wear commensurate with age.
 
PROVENANCE:
 
From the Collection of Nigell and Heather D’Oyly. Nigell and Heather have been passionate collectors throughout their married life. The core of their collection was inherited from the J W French side of Nigell’s family, who were prosperous flour millers based in Bow, Chelsea and Ware. Their notable relatives include Sir Charles D’Oyly, 7th Baronet (1781-1845), an accomplished watercolorist based in Calcutta, and Sir John D’Oyly, 1st Baronet of Kandy, Ceylon (1774-1824).