An Italian Neoclassical scagliola and carved white marble table attributed to the Della Valle workshop Tuscany, circa 1840

the scagliola top centered with a view of the Bay of Naples with Mount Vesuvius in the background surrounded by four scenes, depicting clockwise from top, the Temples at Paestum, the Colosseum, the Forum at Pompeii, and St. Peter’s Basilica and Square.

Base with some small chips, abrasions, and small losses; one foot detaches and with later rectangular patch to underside and with a break to the very end of the foot. Top with marks, light scratches, and some small chips. Restored patches to the edge of the top with the largest being 4 x 1 1/2 inches. Surface with some hazing mostly concentrated in one area.
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 lush, meandering acanthus and the fine oak leaves found in the border of the top of this table are identical to those found in a scagliola panel by the della Valle brothers now in the Bianchi Collection, Florence, see Anna Maria Massinelli, Scagliola, Rome, 1997, p. 78. That panel also incorporates roundels flanked by leafy oak branches in a fashion very similar to the lot offered here. The fine shading of the border's decoration can be found in other monochromatic borders executed by the della Valles, see ibid., p. 88. The della Valle workshop was known for the inclusion of detailed land- and cityscapes in their scagliola panels, such as the two above examples and another illustrated ibid., p. 82. The top of the present table is particularly intricate as it is decorated with not just one, but with five scenes; including sea-, city- and landscapes.

The  firm of the della Valle brothers specialised in scagliolia work. Whilst founded in Rome at the end of the end of the eighteenth century, the workshop transferred to Livorno circa 1805 to avoid the disturbances caused by the invasion of Italy by Napoleon. It was Filippo della Valle who took over its direction at that time and his sons Pietro and Giuseppe who built up its reputation. By the time they assumed responsibility in 1838, the firm was producing work of a very high standard and was particularly well known for their ability to create topographical views in scagliola. In 1851, the brothers exhibited at the Great Exhibition, where they were part of the section dedicated to Tuscany.