A pair of polychrome decorated carved fruitwood blackamoors on stands Northern Italy, second half 19th century

Overall in fair condition with the usual dents, nicks, and scratches consistent with age. As is visible in the catalogue illustration, the painted decor is lost in many places now showing dark or dark brown undeglace, being possibly a former painted decor. The coned shell with minor chips to their tips, some tips are also showing repairs and one coned shell with rather more extensive loss of approximately 3 inches in height by 2.5 inches in width. One blackamoor with one eye lacking.
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.

The fashion for elaborately carved and decorated blackamoor sculptures began in Venice in the 17th century, most famously developed by the sculptor Andrea Brustolon (1662-1732). Highly stylized and exotic, these decorative life-size sculptures, often supporting candelabra or vases, lined the entrance halls of palazzi belonging to the Venetian merchant aristocracy, a class who prospered through trade with North Africa and the Ottomans. The imposing scale and fine polychrome details of the present lot recalls the historic association between Italian baroque furniture and the sculptor’s craft.