An Italian maiolica dated syrup jar and cover, 1579, Castel Durante or Pesaro

the broad strap handle painted with a panel of `Fortuna' standing on the back of a dolphin holding a billowing sail above a label inscribed 'O CANBVCINO', against a blue ground painted with trophies, the circular base dated to the lower part,

The Saide and Mario Formica collection;
The Koelliker collection;
sold Wannenes, Genoa, 11th October 2011, lot 16.

Related Literature

Timothy Wilson, Maiolica Italian Renaissance Ceramics in the Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York, 2016, pp. 204-285, 101A-C.

To the cover, the finial has been replaced and there are areas of old restoration to the rim, some of which is flaking away. To the jar, there is some typical minor glaze loss at extremities. To the body there is an area of glaze crazing at the label where the enamels have been refreshed. There is restoration to the spout.
"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."

For a discussion on dates and iconography of maiolica from the 'Fortuna' series and the probable attribution of Pesaro, see Timothy Wilson, op. cit., p. 284, where three jars from the same series are illustrated. The author writes that one possible explanation for the figure of Fortuna is that she is connected to the city of Fano, or Fanum Fortunae in Latin, near to Pesaro. A series of drug jars of this type is illustrated by Jeanne Giacomotti, Catalogue des majoliques des Musées nationaux, Paris, 1974, nos. 979-992 and no. 984 for an example of this form.