Italian, Doccia factory, circa 1742-52

printed in sepia and painted in blue, mauve, yellow and brown with a view on the Grand Canal, Venice, the border scattered with flower spays and insects beneath a shaped ribbed rim

The Nino Barbantini (1885-1952) collection;
Christie's, Italy, 10th March 1977, lot 137

A rare Doccia Ginori factory porcelain shaped oval dish, circa 1742-45 In generally good condition. There are two rim chips on the left of the dish, the larger measuring approximately 0.7cm. wide x 0.3cm. deep. There is an area of typical misfiring which effects the right side of the scene and rim.
"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."

The view is taken of the Grand Canal looking north-eastwards from Santa Croce towards San Geremia; from the second edition of Antonio Visentini's engraved views of Venice after Antonio Canaletto, published by Giovanni Pasquale in 'Urbis Venetiarum Prospectus' in 1742 which comprised thirty-eight plates. The first edition of 1735 included fourteen views of the Grand Canal. 

A note in the inventories in the archives of Ginori Lisci di Firenze for 1748 reads 'payment of a bill is made to Giuseppe Allegrini, printer, for various trials and printing with copper plates in different colours', (AGL, Libro Contabile 213, f. 211), referenced by Andreina d'Agliano (op. cit., 2005, no. 186. p. 343). A further note (1752, Libro Contabile CCXVI, pag 17) mentions 'Pagate as Antonio Martini Proaccia di Venezia per uso di un esemplare di stampe in rame contente le vedute di Venezia di Giov. Pasquale e numero due dell'Albrizzi provviste in diverse città per servizio della fabbrica' [Pay Antonio Martini Proaccia of Venice for use of a specimen of copper prints containing the views of Venice by Giovanni Pasquale and the second volume of Albrizzi, available in various towns, for the use of the factory].

A related Doccia dish printed in cobalt blue with a view of the Grand Canalpublished by Mottola Molfini (op. cit., 1976, no. 408) was sold at Sotheby's Milan, 13th November 2007, lot 201.

RELATED LITERATURE
A. Mottola Molfini, L'Arte della Porcellana in Italia, Milan, 1976, no. 408; A. d'Agliano, J. Kräftner (ed.) Baroque Luxury Porcelain, exh. catalogue, Liechtenstein Museum, Vienna, 2005, p. 343.