An Italian maiolica 'tondino' from the workshop of Maestro Lodovico, circa 1540, Venice

a cartouche on the border bearing the inscription R.E.P.V.E.N. (for the Republic of Venice), with old label No. 28, the back with a band of blue decoration "alla porcellana".

Frizzi Baccioni Collection, Florence

Standard minor chipping and surface abrasions. One hairline crack in border visible on reverse. Small pits in glaze from firing. Overall good 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.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING CONDITION OF A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD "AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF SALE PRINTED IN THE CATALOGUE.

This tondino is part of a group attributed to the workshop Maestro Lodovico, with comparable borders of grotesques and trophies in the mannerist taste inspired by the wares made in Faenza and Castel Durante. The alla porcellana decoration on the reverse is typical of Venetian maiolica.  For similar pieces by Lodovico's workshop in the Museo Civico, Turin, see Mallé op. cit.,  no. 36, and for a tondino attributed to the Maestro with alla porcellana decoratiion on the obverse in the Ashmolean Museum, Oxford see Wilson op. cit., p. 109, no. 177.

RELATED LITERATURE

L. Mallé, Maioliche italiane, 1998
T. Wilson, Italian Maiolica of the Renaissance, Austin, 1996