Italian, Venice, 1570

Overall the condition of the bellows is good, with minor dirt and wear to the surface consistent with age. There is some wear to the gilding of the wood, including minor craquelure and a few small losses. There is some rubbing to the high points of the wood figures, including the faces. A few joints are visible on the wood figures, including to the legs of the putti at the top and to one of the flying putti's arm. One of the putti's head has been reattached. There is some evidence of past worming, in particular to the wood above the handle and to the back. There is minor stable splitting to the wood consistent with the material, notably to the left side of the relief background. There is a small loss to the wood at the scroll on the top left side. There is some rubbing, and a few nicks, to the high points of the metal handle. The metal plate nailed to the wood at the back is probably of a later date, as is the cloth. There is minor general wear to the cloth, including some fraying.
"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."

Compare with the set of Italian walnut bellows centred by a figure of Venus, dating to the 16th-century, in the Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York (inv. no. 41.100.380).

RELATED LITERATURE
G. Guerzoni, 'Servicing the Casa', in M. Ajmar-Wollheim and F. Denis (eds.), At Home in Renaissance Italy, exh. cat. Victoria and Albert Museum, London, 2006, p. 149, no. 125, fig. 10.5