AN URBINO MAJOLICA DISH, 16TH CENTURY, CIRCA 1565-1570, WORKSHOP OF ORAZIO FONTANA |

in trefoil shape, the handles as grotesque masks, the feet as three lion paws, with at the center a polychrome Triumph of Galatea, standing on a shell, surrounded by newts, dolphins, and men sitting on seahorses, the scene topped by four putti in clouds, the external face with polychrome landscapes; (the foot replaced, restorations) 

The illustration of the catalogue is accurate. Footrim is a later replacement. Basin broken and restored, probably in four pieces. Restoration to handles.
"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."

Orazio Fontana est l'un des plus importants céramistes du milieu du XVIe siècle en Italie. Seuls quatorze bassins sur pieds de cet artiste sont connus. Certains sont conservés à la Wallace Collection, à l’Ermitage, à la Galerie Nationale de Parme et d’autres proviennent d’importantes collections dont celle du baron Nathanaël de Rothschild. Celui de l’Ermitage est le plus proche du nôtre. Selon E. Ivanova, il aurait fait partie du service du roi Philippe II d’Espagne offert par le duc d’Urbino (voir Il secolo d'oro della maiolica, Ceramica italiana dei secoli XV-XVI dalla raccolta del Museo Statale dell'Ermitage, Faenza, 2003, p. 89).