Lot 115
  • 115

A pair of Italian carved giltwood ebonised and painted figures of kneeling Blackamoors, Venetian first half 18th century

Estimate
8,000 - 12,000 GBP
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Description

  • giltwood
  • 122cm. high, 66cm. wide; 4ft., 2ft. 2in.
each wearing a feathered headdress and holding tasselled cushions, resting on tree trunk bases; redecorated

Provenance

Olive, Lady Baillie, Lowndes House, London.

Condition

In overall good restored condition. Old marks, chips and scratches and surface dirt commensurate with age and usage. There are some areas of painting and gilding flaked off which can be esaily retouched. There are old restorations generally. There are also hairline cracks and construction cracks generally which do not detract from the piece. The underside to the cushion on both is gilded and one of the cushions has a wide crack and areas flaked off down to the carcass wood which will need attention. There is evidence that one of the blackamoors wore earings previously and there is evidence of previous fixing beneath the base where the blackamoors were formally on plinths.
"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."

Catalogue Note

Possibly those recorded in the Hall and Dining Room:

Pair of Nubian figures with head dress of feathers, & skirt in carved and decorated wood Venetian mid eighteenth Century,1750 purchased from Cook, 28.5. 1954 £510.0.0

or those on the Staircase:

Pair of Louis XV carved figures... kneeling; bodies painted black, each with feathered head-dress and flowing loin cloth in giltwood holding a tasselled cushion painted and gilded. Figures supported on a carved wood base in the form of a tree trunk purchased Blairman 20.1.55  £450