Attributed to Giuseppe de Levis (1552-1611/14) and Workshop North Italian, Verona, late 16th century

cast thrice with the arms of the da Rhò family and the Visconti family, both of Milan, and with an old collection label to the interior printed and inscribed: 3937 and: ITALIAN 16^th cent

American Art Galleries New York, Canessa Collection, 25 January 1924, lot 220

C. Avery, 'Giuseppe de Levis of Verona bronze founder and sculptor of the late sixteenth century 1 - Bells and Mortars,' Studies in European Sculpture, London, 1981 p. 51, no. 15 (there attributed to Giuseppe de Levis)

Overall the condition of the bronze is good with dirt and wear to the surface consistent with age. There are a few losses to the bronze around the edge of the bell. There are a few smaller losses, including to the edge of the decoration on the top of the bell. The panels of decoration are cast separately and joints are visible. There is oxidation to the gong. There is minor greening to the interior.
"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 present bell is a superbly cast example of the work of Giuseppe de Levis and his workshop. It is particularly close to another bell by Giuseppe in the Victoria and Albert Museum, London (inv. no. A.16-1973), which exhibits the same frieze of harpies above the frieze with the arms. A further analagous bell attributed to Giuseppe and Workshop, and also with a standing figure, was sold in these rooms on 8 December 2009, lot 48.

It should be noted that the figures flanking the coats of arms, with their diaphanous, billowing, drapery, appear stylistically to be slightly later than those on comparable bells signed by Giuseppe de Levis (see the example in the Castello Sforzesco, illustrated in Avery, 1981, op. cit. p. 49, no. 9). This may suggest that the present bell could have been cast by a younger generation of the family, in particular, Guiseppe's sons Paolo and Francesco.

RELATED LITERATURE
C. Avery, 'A bronze founder and sculptor of the late sixteenth century'. Connoisseur, February 1977, pp. 115-121, fig. 10; P. Motture, Bells and Mortars and Related Utensils, cat. Victoria and Albert Museum, London, 2001, pp. 159-62, nos. 49, 50