15th century - Archaic Majolica
Left: Mug with the Templar Cross, Rimini, 13-14th century
Right: Tiles, gilded majolica, Valencia circa 1500
Our first example of these antiquarian ceramics has been simply decorated with a cross. Recent research has shown that it is a symbol of the legendary Order of the Templars, who, supposedly, had been dissolved by the French Government in 1312 under considerable force. The cup originally belonged to the Templar Church of San Michelino in Rimini.
Portrait of Angelo Poliziano, Montelupo late 15th century
This portrait is adorned with a portrait of the Italian poet and humanist Angelo Poliziano, who was in the service of Lorenzos the Magnificent of Medici.
16th century - Renaissance Majolica
This majolica sculpture of Andrea Contucci, entitled Sansovino, is finished in white and features Saint Bernard of Clairvaux. Alongside St. Bernard stands the Holy Virgin and two angels. The artist Sansovino was a master of marble, with his talents taking him to the Portuguese court as well as to the Vatican for commissions.
Right: Andrea Contucci Gen. Sansovino - The vision of St. Bernhard, white Majolica, 1502-05
Domenico Betti (workshop) - painted Majolica vase, circa 1560
This painted vase was created by the Venetian artist, Domenico Betti, together with a student from his workshop. The flower decoration and the depiction of a kneeling saint have been painted by Betti, whilst the portrait of the gentleman may have been added by another hand.
17th century - Ceramics between Mannerism and Baroque
Large plate with the miracle of St. Nicholas, Deruta 17th century
18th century - European ceramics
Floor mosaic from a fountain, central motif by Bernardino Gentili, Naples 18th century
This mosaic floor made of polychrome and white tiles was created in or near Naples in the middle of the 18th century. The central image painted by Bernardino Gentili shows Susanna with the Elders. The mosaic floor had been created to decorate a fountain, as was often the case in terms of decorative arts in this region.
Sevres or Vincennes - part of a table service, porcelain with gold decoration, France 1750-56
Finally we have a plate from the porcelain manufactory Saint Petersburg, founded in 1744. It exhibits a central ''A'' motif decorated with the imperial crown of Russia. This is probably dedicated to Tsar Alexander I., who ruled Russia in the first quarter of the 19th century.
Plates with the imperial emblem of Tsar Alexander I, Saint Petersburg 1800-25
The auction begins on 11th May at 6pm CET at Piazza Lovatelli in Rome. An exhibition preview of the sale auction will take place from 5th-10th May. Check out the full catalogue here.
