An Italian maiolica plaque depicting The Holy Family with Saint John the Baptist, in the manner of Francesco Xanto Avelli da Rovigo (active 1530-1542), circa 1530, Urbino

in later frame.

Standard minor surface abrasions. Very minor chipping. One larger chip on reverse center bottom. Some pitting. Restored clean horizontal break through center with small fill and tiny chips along break. Very small area of inpainting near break.
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.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING CONDITION OF A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD "AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF SALE PRINTED IN THE CATALOGUE.

A closely related plaque depicting Saint Sebastian and Saint Roch dated 1528 and attributed to Francesco Xanto Avelli is in the Victoria and Albert Museum, London (no. C.2253-1910, see Rackham 1940, cat. no. 628, and Mallet 2007).  Another depicting La Vierge au poisson entre Tobie et Saint Jérôme, after Raphael, is in the Musée du Louvre, Paris (no. OA 1521, see Giacomotti 1974, cat. no. 828).  A closely comparable plaque also depicting The Holy Family with Saint John the Baptist in the manner of Francesco Xanto Avelli was formerly in the collection of Sir Stephen L. Courtauld (sold at Sotheby's London, October 18, 1988 and previously Sotheby's London, March 18, 1975).

RELATED LITERATURE

Bernard Rackham, Catalogue of Italian Maiolica, Victoria and Albert Museum, London, 1940
Jeanne Giacomotti, Catalogue des majoliques des musées nationaux, Paris, 1974
J.V.G Mallet, Xanto: Pottery-painter, Poet, Man of the Italian Renaissance, The Wallace Collection, London, 2007