A rare Siena maiolica pot-pourri bowl and cover circa 1730

of deep circular form, with moulded rim and incurved shoulders flattened to accept a small bell-shaped cover, painted by Bartolomeo Terchi, with Niobe adored on the Altar after Giovanni Battista Galestruzzi, the shoulders with an equestrian battle scene after Antonio Tempesta, and the cover with a boar hunt in the presence of Bacchus and a putto, on a gilt turned socle (the cover restored and knop replaced, minor chips and flakes)



 

One half of the cover has had several breaks which have been well restored. The knop is a replacement. Typical nicks around the edge of the rim of cover. The bowl is overall in very good condition. There are some chips around the inner rim, some small chips and minor wear elsewhere.
"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 main scene is taken from Galestruzzi's Niobe Adored on the Altar, from the Series The History of Niobe after the fresco by Polidoro da Caravaggio for the Facade of the Palazzo Milesi, Rome, published in the late 17^th century