- 507
A large Urbino maiolica istoriato dish, circa 1540-60
Estimate
10,000 - 15,000 GBP
bidding is closed
Description
- pottery - maiolica
- 44.8cm., 17 5/8 in. diam.
perhaps the workshop of Orazio Fontana, the broad shallow bowl with a flaring rim, painted with a scene of the Adoration of the Magi after Giovanni Battista Franco (called il Semolei), the figures on the edge of the city before distant water and mountains,
Condition
This impressive dish has been broken and segmented into six parts of various sizes. On the reverse side, along the joins there are some traces of old filler which has discoloured with age; to the top edge there is also some associated subtle over-painting where the sections have been repaired. There is a minor area of kiln fritting at the rim at 12 o'clock.
"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."
"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."
Catalogue Note
Giovanni Battista Franco (c1510-61) the Italian Mannerist worked in an array of mediums including printmaking, etching and painting. contributed painted works to the Palazzo of Ottaviano de Medici that he completed with Giorgio Vasari (c1511-74) and a fresco in the Oratory of San Giovanni Decollato.
As recorded by Vasari in his biography, Franco made 'Infiniti designi' for the Guidobaldo II, Duke of Urbino's maiolica factory at Castel Durante. The Duke commissioned a series of designs from Battista Franco which were to be used in services presented as gifts for the Emperor Charles V and for the Cardinal Alessandro Farnese. His designs were also used by the neighbouring maiolica factories.
Depiction of this subject matter by Battista Franco is discussed by R. W. Gaston, 'A drawing by Battista Franco and its Venetian context', Art Bulletin of Victoria, 18, 1977, pp. 25ff.
As recorded by Vasari in his biography, Franco made 'Infiniti designi' for the Guidobaldo II, Duke of Urbino's maiolica factory at Castel Durante. The Duke commissioned a series of designs from Battista Franco which were to be used in services presented as gifts for the Emperor Charles V and for the Cardinal Alessandro Farnese. His designs were also used by the neighbouring maiolica factories.
Depiction of this subject matter by Battista Franco is discussed by R. W. Gaston, 'A drawing by Battista Franco and its Venetian context', Art Bulletin of Victoria, 18, 1977, pp. 25ff.