North Italian, 13th/ 14th century

With Antichitá Pippo Casellati, Venice, 1975

Florence, Palazzo Strozzi, Mostra Mercato Internazionale dell'Antiquariato, 9 Biennale, 1975, p. 384

The object has been outside and has weathered accordingly, notably at the high points, including the heads and faces of the lions, where the stone has been worn. The surface is slightly rough in areas, notably to the tops of the heads. There are a series of restored breaks, running from the mid-back to the right side and encompassing the right back corner. There is a further possibly restored break running through the back left side. There are some fissures or possibly restored breaks slightly visible on the left hand side. There are three holes to the front, two holes on the right hand side, of which one is filled with lead, five holes to the back of the basin, and three holes (all filled) on the left hand side. There are chips and abrasions throughout, in particular around the bottom and the upper edge. There is some dirt and wear to the inside of the basin and the surface has been left roughly hewn. There is particular dirt to the inside of the basin. The underside is relatively flat with the front section projecting forwards and downwards (as a lip would). A drainage channel has been cut to the interior of the basin and there is a circular section cut in the underside and some further shallow channels. Otherwise the condition is stable.
"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."

Compare with the 13th-century stone lion adorning the Fondamenta del Tragheto in Venice, published in A. Rizzi, Scultura esterna a Venezia: Corpus delle Sculture Erratiche all'aperto di Venezia e della sua Laguna, Venice, 1987, p. 392, no. 318.