Workshop of Giovanni della Robbia (1469-1529) Italian, Florence, circa 1520

inscribed: ECCE . AGNIUS. DE. to the banner, and: Luca della Robbia / 16th Century / H.G. Boha Coll: / T(...?) Christina(?) Manson(?) in ink to the underside; and with a metal plaque on the base inscribed: BOTTEGA DELLA ROBBIA / SEC. XVI

Overall the condition of the terracotta is good, with minor dirt and wear to the surface consistent with age. There are a few minor losses, including to the fingers of the proper left hand, and an element that would have been attached to the back of the halo and the rocky background behind it. There are three small holes to the background behind the saint's head. There are a few minor stable firing fissures, including between the cloak and the background on the figure's proper right side, and to the back on the left side. There are a few minor chips and abrasions to the glaze, including to the top end of the banner, the edge of the halo, and the edges of the cloak. There is a speck of white glaze to the saint's proper right knee. There is very minor pitting to the glaze, consistent with the material.
"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 enchanting composition compares closely to the Infant Saint John the Baptist with animals by Giovanni della Robbia illustrated in G. Gentilini, I della Robbia: Il dialogo tra le Arti nel Rinascimento, exh. cat. Arezzo, Museo Statale d'arte Medieval e Moderna, Arezzo and Milan, 2009, fig. 81.

The present lot is sold with a thermoluminescence analysis report dated 5 June 2012 prepared by Arcadia, Milan, stating that the samples taken are consistent with a 16th-century dating.