A pair of Buen Retiro allegorical groups of 'Plenty' circa 1775

each modelled with Ceres and a Bacchanalian youth, the first with a leopard-skin-clad youth leaning on a wineskin and holding grapes and a goblet, Ceres supporting a corn-sheaf, the second with a youth scantily clad in an animal hide and holding a ewer, and a similar figure of Ceres

Anon. sale, The Property of a Gentleman, Christie's London, 5th June 1961, lots 98 & 99

Wineskin group - right-hand end of base on which Ceres stands probably broken off and restored back with firing crack in similar place running around other end of base. Ceres with restoration to one fold of drapery at front just below waist, to section of drapery covering back, around neck (head restuck), rolled sleeve of left arm, lower part of left arm, both hands and ends of corn sheaf. Youth with restoration around neck, top of chest and right shoulder (this section probably broken off and restored back) with associated restoration/overpainting over most of leopard skin to reverse, and cup held in left hand. Firing crack across leopard skin in front of right leg. Vase group - a number of narrow firing cracks to underside of base, a few reaching up sides and over top. Flat chip to footrim and chip to front right corner of base. Restoration to small area of top and front edge of base - probably covering a firing crack. Ceres restored around neck, large area of restoration/overpainting to drapery over her back and right arm and hand, and to ends of cornsheaf. Vase on plinth probably broken off around foot and restored back with associated restoration to top of plinth and front top quarter - probably over a firing crack. Handle of vase and most of back of its body restored. Majority of youth restored, probably been broken away from base around right thigh and left knee.
"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."

Similar groups with different Bacchanalian figures are illustrated in the Catalogo de la Coleccion de Porcelanas del Buen Retiro del...D. Francisco de Laiglesia (Madrid 1908), nos.170 and 172.