A documentary Urbino maiolica panel with Gobrius and Darius from the 'Persian History' Series circa 1536, signed,

painted by Francesco Xanto Avelli, signed with initials and perhaps with assistance from the painter 'Lu Ur', with scenes from the story of the Capture of Babylon, showing Zopyrus ('Gobrio') first having his face mutilated, then in audience with King Darius, then setting off for distant Babylon, the characters captioned, a step inscribed F.X.R. for Francesco Xanto da Rovigo, a pillar inscribed 'no.26', and another inscribed Rivela Gobrio sua i[n]te[n]tione a Dario. IUst[in] hist: i[n] lib.I d. bellis externis (Zopyrus reveals his plans to Darius. Justin the historian in Book I of De Bellis Externis), some repair

With Bukowski, Stockholm, 12-13th December 1991, lot 487

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.90, pp.209-210, and Fimantiquari anno 2 no.2, pp.19-31

Cleanly broken in half and restored, from 12 o'clock to 7 o'clock. The lines of restoration are left showing on the unglazed reverse. There appears to be only minor losses along the break line, though there is some overpainting and spray, especially at the beginning and end of the break line. Altomani & Sons dealers stamp to 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 painter, presumably Luca da Urbino, usually signed with a simple 'L', but signs 'Lu:Ur:' on another plaque in this series (see lot 2); for a further discussion of this painter , see Timothy Wilson, Fimantiquari 2, 1993

Following the loss of the City of Babylon to the Assyrians, Zopyrus went to Darius, whom he had helped to install as King of the Persians, with a plan.  He had his face deliberately mutilated, and King Darius expelled him into exile. Zopyrus then went to Babylon as a refugee, where his bona fides were accepted because of his dreadful injuries and he was placed at the head of the Babylonian armies. He then handed over the army and the city to King Darius.