A Buen Retiro Italian Comedy group of "The Spaghetti Eaters", probably modelled by G. Gricci, circa 1770

Pulcinella, wearing his typical costume and hat, with a bowl of pasta at his feet, feeding three boys with a handful of macaroni, on a green and brown shaped rectangular rockwork base, four blue fleur-de-lys marks (some losses)

Christie's London, 6 June 1995, lot 319

fingertips and tips of spaghetti missing, much of the spaghetti restored and very fragile, the figure standing with minor repainting to one eyebrow, the other one kneeling with front rim of hat restored.
"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 group shows the Capodimonte character still much in evidence, and it is more likely that it was one of the first groups executed at Buen Retiro when Giuseppe Gricci, was able to use the mould and the materials brought from Capodimonte. For a similar model, see S. Levy, Le Porcellane Italiane, Milano, 1960, vol II, pl. XXV.