AN ITALIAN BAROQUE PIETRE DURE, MOTHER-OF-PEARL AND MARBLE-INLAID PANEL IN THE MANNER OF COSIMO FANZAGO, ON AN ITALIAN BAROQUE STYLE CARVED GILTWOOD STAND the panel Naples, late 17th century, the stand 19th century

With scattered old restored breaks, scattered chips and small losses. Inlay with fine cracks, some small losses and restorations with later stone and infill; not extensive. Base with age and construction cracks, dents and abrasions. Scattered cracks, minor lifting and losses and chips to gesso. With some old worm damage; not extensive and almost exclusively to stretchers. Regilt, gilding with some losses, rubbing and surface dirt. In good condition.
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.

This richly inlaid panel belongs to a group of Baroque commessi and altar fronts which were produced in Naples by marmorari, followers of the celebrated Cosimo Fanzago (1591-1678), architect and sculptor, considered to be one of the greatest of the Baroque period in Naples. Fanzago's work is recorded in many local churches, with probably the best example of his triumphal intarsia work being in the Certosa di San Martino. Fanzago's oeuvre can be characterized by the use of not only an astonishing variety of different marbles and stones, but also by the inclusion of mother-of-pearl; a combination of materials which was also used in this panel. Although the design of this panel is clearly inspired by Florentine models, the overall composition and the choice of materials and their inlay point to a Neapolitan origin. The clearly centralized design supplemented by lush foliage, blooming flower heads and birds relates to a pair of table tops also incorporating mother-of-pearl and a wide array of colorful stones and marbles, sold Sotheby's London, July 6, 2011, lot 11.