Italian, Florence, early 16th century

with an old label inscribed in pen: 36 and two further old labels inscribed in pen: 152

There is dirt and wear to the surface consistent with age and handling. There are losses to the polychromy throughout, in particular to the ground at St John's feet. Some of the paintwork may have been refreshed. There is a possible small loss to St John's fur clothing between his legs. There are a number of small lacunae and firing cracks to the reverse and underside consistent with the material. There is a large stable lacuna and firing crack to reverse, bottom left side, which probably occurred at the time of firing. Otherwise the condition is good.
"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."

A glazed and polychromed terracotta version of this model, with minor variations, is housed in the Bargello, and has been attributed to Giovanni della Robbia (Gentilini, op. cit.).

The present lot is offered with a thermoluminescence analysis report from Oxford Authentication Ltd dated 26 January 2012 stating that the sample (No:N112a22) was last fired between 400 and 700 years ago, i.e. between 1312 and 1612 AD.

RELATED LITERATURE
G. Gentilini, I Della Robbia: Il dialogo tra le Arti nel Rinascimento, Museo Statale d'Arte Medievale e Moderna, Arezzo, 2009, no. 80, pp. 252, 350-1