Sicilian, Trapani, early 18th century

the galleon in full sale, the hull heightened with coral and glass beads, mounted on silvered base with repoussé flowers and foliage, a small personage standing on the stern  

This ship is in remarkably good condition although it does exhibit surface dirt and general wear consistent with age. The base does exhibit some discolouration and tarnishing as do the sails.
"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."

The present galleon can be compared stylistically with another of filigree silver exhibited in the Trapani museum in 1989 as well as a ship reliquary, in the Galleria Regionale di Palazzo Bellano.  Coral examples are recorded, most notably that in the Tirenna Collection in Palermo dating to the late 17th/early 18th century and cited by Ajolavasit. The Tirenna example has sails of coral rather than gilt metal as in the present example where the coral is limited to the beadwork.  Ajolavasit cites a document dating to 1680 in which it is stated  that the Trapanese carver Ippolito Ciotta sold two coral ships to Diego Grassellino, a resident of Palermo.  

RELATED LITERATURE
Ori e argenti in Sicilia, exh.cat. Trapani Museo regionale Pepoli, July-Oct 1989, no. II, p. 114 and II, p. 112; L. Ajovalasit, L'arte del Corallo, 1986 p.350, no. 160; Maria Concetta Di Natale, Splendori di Sicilia (Milan, 2001) p. 49, fig. 46