Italian, Castelli, first half 18th century

painted in the Grue workshop with Cain slaying Abel, wielding a jawbone in his raised hand as Abel falls to the ground, a burning brazier behind them in the wooded landscape

A Castelli maiolica rectangular plaque, first half 18th century In excellent condition.
"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."

Cain, a crop farmer, and Abel, a shepherd, were the first children of Adam and Eve, according to the Book of Genesis. The depiction of this scene is taken from the print by J. Cotelle after Gérard de Lairesse. A dish with the same scene is in the collection of the Louvre, Paris, published by Giacometti (op. cit, pp. 480-481, no. 1420)

RELATED LITERATURE
J. Giacometti, Catalogue des maioliques des musées nationaux, Paris, 1974, pp. 480-481, no. 1420; R. Ausenda, Museo d'Arti Applicate. Le ceramiche, vol. II, Milan, 2001, p. 36, fig. 28