Anatolio Scifoni Italian, 1841-1884

Acquired by the great-grandfather of the present owner; thence by descent

The canvas has been relined and strengthened in five places on the reverse. Under ultra-violet light there are fine vertical and diagonal lines near the flute player and above him. These correspond to two areas of canvas strengthening and appear to address repaired hairline tears. There are two spots of retouching to the arm and leg of the central male figure visible under ultra-violet light. Otherwise this work is in good condition, clean and ready to hang.
"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."

Cottabo, the game unfolding in the present work, was a favourite amusement of the ancient Greeks during the festival of Dionysus, god of wine, testing balance and skill. As much as this though, the conclusion of the feat could make or break a love match. The steps in such contests are known from contemporary Greek vase decorations. Scifoni has chosen to depict the moment that the suitor holds a saucer of wine in his out-stretched right hand, grasping his lover with the other. His challenge is to tilt the vessel, launching the liquid into the air, aiming it towards a saucer carefully balanced atop a stand. The symbolic attributes that were attached to wine meant that a successful release would seal the lovers' relationship, however a miss would foretell a doomed pairing.