A pair of Italian polychrome lacquered and ebonised blackamoors, Venetian 18th century

each with a standing figure wearing a laurel wreath on their heads, dressed in a tunic and floral decorated skirt and drapery on a stepped faux marble plinth; some re-touching to the decoration

Some very minor surface dirt and losses to gilding and painted decoration with some minor chips to carving generally which can easily be re-touched. Some hairline cracks commensurate with age and some old restorations generally. There has been some refreshment to the re-ebonising. On one there is an old repair to the right arm where it joins the sleeve and to the top to the left arm of the same one.There is evidence of green paint beneath the gilding of the headdress. There is a plinth beneath the faux marble base beneath the feet of one which is lacking its painted decoration which can easily be redecorated. The carving especially of the costumes is very sculptural and the figures have great liveliness, are of good quality and are in good conserved condition.
"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."

Comparative Literature:
G. Morazzoni, Il Mobile Veneziano del'700, Milan, 1958, Tav CCXVI illustrates a pair of Venetian blackamoors and see Tav. CCXVII.

The taste for blackamoor figures gained popularity in Venice in the 18th century and were traditionally sculpted in pairs. The lifelike pose of the present pair, they obviously formerly carried something, and the detail of their features and the superb carving of  their skirts conveys the luxury and exoticism of the Venetian baroque.