A Deruta maiolica dish circa 1530

painted with a portrait, perhaps intended for  Cicero, with a laurel wreath on his head in green, yellow and ochre, wearing a yellow tunic, beside a scroll inscribed VIRTUS IN ACTIONE CONSISTIT, the broad rim with a band of yellow flowerheads and circling foliage

Broken into six or more pieces and re-stuck, with further cracks, but reasonably stable, strong colours.
"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."

The inscription is a quote from Cicero, a hero of Rome and a much discussed exemplar to Renaissance Italy