North Italian, late 15th century

with a large fragmentary label on the reverse indistincly inscribed: J. La... ...ia a picola velocitta

Ralph Wormeley Curtis, Palazzo Barbaro, Venice, by 1922
By descent to Sylvia Curtis
Thence by descent to the present owner, from the 1960s

Extensive worming, losses and cracks throughout, particularly to foliate relief decoration on pilasters and lower molding. Some refreshed paint, refreshed gilding and some flaking paint.
"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."

Ralph Curtis was a painter who was born in Boston to Daniel Sargent Curtis and Ariana Wormeley Randolf Curtis. Upon graduating from Harvard, he moved to his parent's palazzo in Venice, the Palazzo Barbaro on the Grand Canal. The family entertained artists and writers such as Edith Wharton, Henry James, and Robert Browning. The Curtis's also hosted Isabella Stewart Gardner, the famous American art collector, when she visited Venice in 1884. The Gardners fell in love with the Palazzo and rented it several times when the Curtis's were travelling. It is likely that Gardner introduced Ralph Curtis to Bernard Berenson, who is said to have advised him on the purchase of the present tabernacle.