An Italian trompe l'oeil scagliola panel signed Amadeus Seyter Fe. first quarter 18th century

of rectangular form, with playing cards, a letter, prints and engravings on a mottled black and white faux marble; minor losses to the edges

In overall good original condition. Can be placed immediately. There are some very minor chips to the corners of the top. Old very minor marks chips and scratches to the top consistent with age and use. The top has retained its colour and details.
"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."

Scagliola tops were highly prized by English travellers who acquired them during their Grand Tour in the 18th and19th centuries which explains the numerous examples present in aristocratic and country house collections in this country.

Pietro and Amedeo Seyter:
The Seyter family had German origins and the first artist in the family was Daniele Seyter, born in Vienna in 1649 who died in Turin in 1705, and was known as Daniele Fiammingo (the Flemish). He had three relatives working in the scagliola medium: Pietro, Amedeo and Tarsilla Vittoria Seyter who were all active in Rome in the 18th century.
Their scagliola work is characterised by the simulation of engravings. As with scagliola panels which were made in Carpi, the Seyter brothers used only two colours, usually red with cross-hatching on a white background. Their work also simulated paper and marble by the effective use of trompe l'oeil.

Amedeo, active between 1712 and 1734 in Turin and Rome:
Amedeo was the nephew of Pietro and he worked in a similar style to that of Pietro, except that he preferred views of landscapes with rivers and also "capricci" with Roman ruins. He also sometimes incorporated amber pieces in his scagliola work.

The scagliola technique has been used since Roman times initially to imitate marble and later pietre dure. It is composed of pulverised selenite from the Appennini Mountains in Emilia and Tuscany called lapis specularis or pietre di luna which is then ground down and mixed with lime. This mixture is then placed on to a stone support and inlaid with a composition of coloured scagliola and graphite. 

Panels by the same makers sold at auction include:
-A pair signed P.S. Ing. f and dated 1744, was sold at Christie's, London, 29th November 1990, lot 266 (£18,700).
-A pair was sold in these Rooms, lot 16, 13th June 1997.
-Three panels by Amadeo Seyter were sold in these Rooms, 12th December 2001, lots 113 and 114.
-A group of eleven Italian scagliola trompe l'oeil panels within frames by Petrus Seyter and Amedeo Seyter first half 18th century, sold in these Rooms, 6th July 2010, lot 12.