Italian, Milan, circa 1610-1620

Standard and minor surface abrasions. One tiny chip on reverse. The lobed border may have originally been deeper and could have been cut down and slightly reshaped.
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.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING CONDITION OF A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD "AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF SALE PRINTED IN THE CATALOGUE.

The present lot relates to two octagonal gilt brass-mounted rock crystal trays in the collection of Philip V of Spain, inherited from his father the Dauphin, son of Louis XIV of France (Prado, op. cit., nos. 41 and 60). No. MNAD: 378 in the Prado (fig. 1) is carved with egg-and-dart motif surrounded by a scalloped edge and the panels are joined by gilt mounts, embellished with florettes (or insects?) at the junctures, similar to the present example. While the related, delicate foliate scroll motifs appear only on the first Prado tray, both include tiny insects and flowers also seen on the present piece.

Furthermore, both Prado pieces are attributed to Milan, circa 1610-1620 and the second is specifically given to the workshop of Giovanni Battista Metellino, a gem carver active in Milan in the late 16th and early 17th centuries. A tray of similar structure is preserved in the Louvre (MR476) (Alcouffe, op.cit., no. 149), incorporating silver rosettes at the juncture of the fluted mounts. Another octagonal example, again with similar mounts and engraving, is in the Capodimonte Museum, Naples.

Both the Dauphin and Philip V owned several trays. They were used to hold gloves, particularly during celebrations, when the king was presented with gifts, a custom that was described in historical documents concerning his trips to Sanlúcar.

RELATED LITERATURE
El Tesoro del Delfín. Catálogue Razonado, Museo Nacional de Prado, Madrid, 2001, nos. 41 and 60, pp. 175 and 208
D. Alcouffe, Les Gemmes de la Couronne, Musée du Louvre, exhibition catalogue, 27 April - 23 July 2001, Paris, 2001, p. 319, cat. no. 149