L14314

/

Lot 87
  • 87

A Hispano-Moresque lustre dish, early 16th century

Estimate
4,000 - 6,000 GBP
Log in to view results
bidding is closed

Description

  • pottery
  • 49.5cm. diameter; 19½in.
boldly painted in a dark copper lustre with a central spirally-gadrooned boss with a medallion of an ibex, within concentric bands of dotted trellis and a Latin inscription 'Exsurge Domine ad Liberandum nos', the gadroon-moulded rim with alternate dotted trellis, flowers and crossed circles on a lustre ground panel within  blue-edged rims, the reverse boldly lustred with bands of palm fronds

Condition

six rim cracks, one extended towards foot
"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."

Catalogue Note

The phrase 'Exsurge Domine' was to be the opening phrase, and informal title, of the notorious Papal Bull of 15th June 1520 against the teachings of Martin Luther, and it is tempting to associate the phrase in its use on this and related dishes with support for the stance of the Catholic church in that controversy.

However, the phrase is also used in several of the Biblical Psalms, so was not coined for the Papal Bull, and the second half of the phrase on this dish is seemingly not related  to the matter; several of the dishes in the series also seem to be if anything, a little earlier than 1520. (see lot 88)