A documentary urbino maiolica panel with Demaratus warning Sparta circa 1536, signed Lu.Ur.

painted by Lu.Ur., signed, and probably with the collabration of Francesco Xanto Avelli, with scenes from the betrayal of Xerxes by Demaratus, showing Demaratus writing upon a tablet, captioned D.R.L. (for Demaratus Rex Lacedaemon), then giving the waxed tablets to a messenger, and the messenger setting off for distant Sparta, a pillar to the right inscribed 'Lu. Ur.' and 'no.31' ( repaired)

with Bukowski, Stockholm, 12-13th December 1991, lot 489

Baron Sprovieri collection

Private collection, Brescia

La Via della Ceramica tra Umbria e Marche, Gubbio, Palazzo Ducale, June 2010

Wilson, Timothy, Italian Maiolica of the Renaissance, no.91, pp.212-214; and Fimantiquari, anno 2, no.2, pp.19-31

Broken into perhaps five pieces and restored. The reverse is unglazed and uneven, with the repairs showing clearly, but on the front there are only a few losses and minor repainting. Repainted areas include a 2cm band across most of the top border, and areas along the crack line from Sparta to Demartus, as well as the curtained area behind the seated king.Altomani & Sons dealers stamp on reverse
"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 Persian series, together with the slightly earlier but less elaborate series depicting the fall of Troy...is the earliest known sytematic treatment on maiolica of ancient history.." (Timothy Wilson)

This series, typical of the projects of Xanto in its literary conception and its ambition, originally comprised at least thirty-nine panels, some signed by Xanto and some dated 1536. It is clear that  Xanto had some assistance in its creation, perhaps from several painters, but at least from the mysterious painter 'Lu.Ur.'.

This painter, presumably Luca da Urbino, usually signed with a simple 'L', but uniquely, signs 'Lu:Ur:' on this documentary plaque.

For a further full discussion of this painter , see Timothy Wilson, Fimantiquari 2, 1993