Italian, Trapani, late 17th century/ early 18th century

the reverse mounted with a later gilt copper relief with the arms of the Dandini family of Rome inscribed: EAM OMINE LAETO

Overall the condition of the plaque is good with wear and dirt to the surface consistent with age. There are losses and wear to the enamel throughout. There is tarnishing and some oxidisation to the front and reverse of the ornaments on the outer edge and some tarnishing to the edge and crevices of the central section. Some of the ornaments around the edge are slightly loose, including the upper one. There is a gilt copper ring for hanging the piece.
"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."

Trapani was a leading centre for the production of works of art in coral in the 17th and 18th centuries.  Due to its geographical position and its exploitation of its natural resources and the use of its extensive coral banks, which continued well into the 18^th century, Trapani became one of the principal commercial ports in the Mediterranean.  This growth resulted in the expansion of a prosperous merchant class, who, together with the wealthy clergy, contributed to the development and growth of a high level of coral and goldsmith's work.  In 1628, the guild of the coral workers, the Arte dei Corallari, was established in Trapani and after the suppression of the insurrection there in 1672, the skilled coral workers were dispersed to other Mediterranean centres.

Coral was considered a very precious and rare commodity in the 16^th century due to the difficulty in extracting it and around this time collectors were growing increasingly interested in the Natural Sciences. Coral was esteemed both for its colour and unusual texture and it was believed (as was the case in antiquity) to have the power to ward off the 'evil eye'. Coral was originally used as entire 'coral trees', usually mounted on a base. However, from the late 16^th to the 18^th century, sections of coral were used as decorative elements on works of art.

A related octagonal Trapani frame was sold in these rooms as part of the collection of Luigi Koelliker on 3 December 2008, lot 50.

RELATED LITERATURE
A. Dameu, L'Arte Trapanese del Corallo, Milan, 1964; Coralli, Talismani Sacri e Profani. Trapani, exh. cat. Museo Regionale, Pepoli, 1986, nos. 76 and 82; G.C. Ascione, Gloria del Corallo a Napoli dal XVI al XIX Secolo, Naples, 1991;  M. Concetta Di Natale, Il Corallo Trapanese nei secoli XVI e XVII, Brescia, 2002, pp. 56-57, no. 17