Italian, Faenza, circa 1500

with four labels two, labels to the underside numbered: K 30 / I 377 and: K 30 / DGC 1609, and the remnants of two further labels, and inscribed: ...CONTROL...

Eugène Piot collection, Paris

C. Paolinelli, J. Raccanello, T. Wilson, Lacrime di Smalto Plastiche maiolicate tra Marche et Romagna nell’età del rinascimento, exhib. cat., Senigallia – Rocca Roveresca, 2014, p. 154, fig. 1

Overall the condition of the ceramic is good, with some wear and dirt to the surface consistent with age, with dust in the crevices. There are a few areas of restoration, notably to: the corners of the bottom of the base; an area on the top of the base on the left side, and the front right corner of the top of the base; a fold of drapery around the proper left leg at the side; three of the corners of the seat at the top; the book and proper left hand at the front; the nose; and the mitre and part of the collar at the back. There are a few chips to the glazing, including around the bottom edge, to the edges and corners of the top of the base, to the high points of the drapery at the feet, to the book, and to the mitre on the proper right side. There is minor craquelure to the glazing, notably to the face and to the white of the decoration on the seat and base. There is a chip and reattachment to the restoration on the front right corner of the bottom of the base.
"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."

This charming seated Bishop is one of a small number of plastiche maiolicate (maiolica sculptures) produced in Faenza or the Marche around 1500. They are amongst the earliest maiolica productions. Representations of individual figures of saints are rare and our Bishop relates to a group of St Christopher with the Christ Child in the Såo Paulo Museum of Art, Brazil (Inv. 225/M177) and to a group of The Lamentation in the Metropolitan Museum, New York (inv. 04.26 a-h).