Spanish, Valladolid, second half 14th century

Extensive areas of worming throughout, particularly along edges where there are visible losses, such as far left side and along lower edge on right side. Hole on lower left for attachment. Surface abrasions and chipping paint throughout, further worm channels and holes within image. Two small chips restored. Minor repainting in areas. Evidence of some damp on back of right side and in white accretions around some worm holes. Beautifully painted.
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.

RELATED LITERATURE
Josemi Lorenzo Arribas, Los Aliceres del Palacio de Curiel de los Ajos (Valladolid): Iconografía del Caballero Medieval, Madrid, March 2004

This decorative panel is related to a group that was removed from the palace at Curiel de los Ajos in Valladolid in Northern Spain when it was demolished in 1919 and converted for use as a fortress. The panels were ordered by don Diego López de Zúñiga, a magistrate of the Castilian monarchy, for the ceiling of his Salón de las Damas y de los Caballeros. Painted in the Mudéjar style, they reflect the influence of Islamic art on Iberian production which remained popular through the 17th century. The Castilian region was known for producing representations of quintessential medival themes and fantastic stories, of which these are a particularly richly decorated example.

The National Archaeological Museum in Madrid owns a set of seven further panels, which they acquired in 1869, shortly after the museum was founded by the royal decree of Queen Isabella II. Other examples exist at Segovia Castle, and in a private collection in Barcelona. The majority were destroyed in 1919.

The Zúñiga family, known as the "knights of the black band", played an important role in the Castilian court. Their coat of arms appears on some of the panels from Curiel de los Ajos.

Compare similar decorative panels from the monastery of Santo Domingo de Silos in Burgos which feature white circles with red centers set within an interlace motif, and others from the Curiel do los Ajos which have only white circles, like the present example.