Francesco Bertos (1678-1741) Italian, Venice, first half 18th century

Parke Bernet Galleries, New York, 28 October 1967, lot 32, property of an American Educational Institution;
Christian Humann;
Sotheby Parke Bernet, New York, 21-22 May 1982, lot 240;
with Rosenberg & Stiebel, New York;
Eric Stiebel (1911-2000) and Irene Stiebel, New York;
by descent to Gerald Stiebel, New York;
private collection, London, by 2005;
Bonham's, London, 15 April 2008, lot 8

J.D. Draper, "The Jack and Belle Linsky Collection in the Metropolitan Museum of Art: Addenda to the Catalogue. Sculpture", Metropolitan Museum Journal, 21, 1986, pp. 164-165, note 3;
C. Avery, Bertos, The Triumph of Motion, Turin, 2008, no. 186, figs. 186-186.i, pp. 256-257, pl. no. 16

Overall the condition of the bronze is good with minor dirt and wear to the surface consistent with age. In the illustrations in Avery's monograph, the trumpet is bent slightly at both ends; this has been subsequently repaired. There are various very minor casting lacunae and pits to the bronze throughout, particularly to the underside of the shell and to Fame's proper left leg and abdomen at the proper right side. The proper left little finger of the right seated small putto is lost, and it is possible that the head of the snake held by the left putto is lost. There are stable fissures in two of the dragon head legs (probably original casting joints) and a few further fissures including at Fame's proper right knee. There is a lacuna under the proper left foot of the putto holding a snake.
"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."

According to Avery, this charming vessel is typical of Bertos' production, comparing it to a sweetmeat dish in the Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York (Avery, op. cit., pp. 256-257). It appears to represent a putto as Fame, flanked by three further putti, one of whom holds a serpent, symbolising eternity. The receptacle to the rear may have held pepper, whilst a spoon could have been suspended from Fame's trumpet.