Circle of Francesco Palumbo (active second half 17th century) Italian, Trapani or Palermo, late 17th/ early 18th century

Overall the condition of the Holy Water Stoop is good with minor dirt and wear to the surface consistent with age. There are losses to the filigree, in particular a section of the filigree leaves to the right of the lowest flower appears to be lost. A section of the far left leaf (mid way down) appears to be lost and there are two wire repairs. There are a few other small wire repairs, including the top left blue flower, which has been reattached. There are further smaller losses, including to the edges of the filigree leaves. Some of the filigree has been slightly bent out of place, including the lower left corner of the wall of St Rosalia's gazebo. There is dirt/ silver polish in some of the filigree, visible mainly to the reverse. St Rosalia's head is reattached. The box and ribbon are in good condition with dirt and wear consistent with age.
"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."

This impressive holy water stoup or acquasantiera is a particularly fine example of Sicilian coral-carving and filigree work. It compares closely with a holy water stoop by Francesco Palumbo, which is dated to 1678 and is in a private collection in Palermo (Abbate, op. cit. p. 346, fig. 9). Note in particular the intricate floral and vegetal forms composed entirely from filigree. As in the present example, the Palermo holy water stoop is centred by a coral figure of St Rosalia, patron saint of Palermo, similarly carved in the Baroque style, with fluttering drapery and a floral garland. The stoup itself is likewise adorned with three flowers and the whole ensemble crowned with a crucifix. The approach of combining coral with precious metals is typical of the best Sicilian workmanship of the 17th and 18th centuries.

RELATED LITERATURE
V. Abbate, 'Le vie del corallo: Maestranze, committenti e cultura artistica in sicilia tra il sei ed il settecento', S. Rizzo (ed.), Il tesoro dell' isola. Capolavori siciliani in argento e corallo dal XV al XVIII secolo, exhib. cat. Praga, 2004, pp. 337-49, fig. 9