Attributed to the workshop of Severo da Ravenna (active circa 1496-1543), Paduan, first half 16th century and later

Overall the condition of the bronze is good. There is wear and dirt to the surface consistent with age and handling, with particular dirt and some greening inside the boat-shaped vessel. There is dryness to the patina in the crevices. The finial figure is missing its proper right arm. The finial figure and base can be screwed off; both are slightly loose. There is a small hole to the top of the boy's head.
"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."

A nearly identical lamp from the Ashmolean Museum, Oxford is illustrated by Bode (op.cit.). De Winter (op.cit.) attributes this model and a group of further bronze utensils that incorporate similar parts to the workshop of Severa da Ravenna.

RELATED LITERATURE
W. Bode, The Italian bronze statuettes of the Renaissance, (ed. J.D. Draper), New York, 1980, pl. CXXVII; W. D. Wixom, Renaissance bronze from Ohio collections, exh. cat. Cleveland Museum of Art, 1975, no. 88; P.M. de Winter, 'Incorporating notes on the sculptor Severo da Ravenna', The Bulletin of the Cleveland Museum of Art, 73 (1986), no.3, pp. 120-21