An Urbino maiolica panel with Aeneas's dream, from the 'Trojan War' series probably circa 1535

painted, probably by Francesco Xanto Avelli with assistance from the painter `Lu Ur', with Aeneas dreaming of the dead Hector and the fall of Troy, two spectral figures and the burning city in the background, the characters captioned, a banner held by Hector inscribed 'Fuggi O pietoso Enea di Dea figliuolo' (Flee, O pious Aeneas, son of a goddess) repaired

With Bukowski, Stockholm, 12-13 December 1991, lot 488

Baron Paolo Sprovieri collection

With Alain Moatti, Paris

Private collection, Brescia

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

Wilson, Timothy, Italian Maiolica of the Renaissance, no.88, pp 203-205, and Fimantiquari anno 2, no.2, pp19-31

Broken into seven pieces and well repaired. Lines of restoration are left showing on the unglazed reverse. breaks appear to be largely clean and involving only minor losses, but areas of overpainting and spray include the head and flaming tent of Aeneas, part of the banner held by Hector, and the horse's body. 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."

This plaque is from the Trojan War series, which may possibly pre-date the clearly closely-related Persian series, and which is known in only eight examples; this plaque and three others by Xanto and perhaps the painter 'Lu.Ur.', and four in the Herzog Anton Ulrich museum, Brunswick, which are by Nicola da Urbino or his circle. Johanna Lessmann at that museum has suggested that they may all form part of the same series, split between painters or between workshops; a similar collaboration between Xanto and Nicola seems to have taken place over the service made in 1533 for Federico Gonzaga and Margherita Paleologo

The plaques so far known from this series are all undated, but their closeness in style to the 'Persian History' series of 1536 would indicate a similar date to that series. The presence on one of the plaques of Xanto 's 'phi flourish', a distinctive rebus usually associated with his work of 1528-31, might even suggest an earlier date.

 

While sleeping on a couch under a baldacchino,  Aeneas dreams of the dead Hector, appearing to him while still being dragged behind Achilles' chariot, who warns the young Trojan prince that Troy has fallen and bids him take the sacred statues of the city and flee. Troy already burns in the background.