This Italian painted terracotta putto playing a lute pictured above is thought to be from the workshop of Florentine ceramicist Giovanni della Robbia (1469-1529).
Dated to the early 16th century, the 19in (47.5cm) high figure is typical of Florentine Renaissance sculpture in both subject matter, material and style, while the contrapposto stance shows the influence of classical sculpture.
The putto is largely unfinished at the back and top of the head, suggesting that it was intended to be seen from below, and may have originated in the della Robbia workshop as part of a larger sculptural project, which was later dismantled.
It is priced at £6500 from London dealership Arthistorical.
A pair of French candelabra made by the French maker Henri Picard (1840-90), supplier of works to Emperor Napoleon III of France, will go under the hammer at John Nicholson’s sale in Haslemere on January 25.
Measuring 3ft 2in high, the pair is modelled in patinated bronze with classical female figures in draped robes and holding a set of five light gilt bronze candelabra. Each plinth bears the signature H Picard and is also stamped for the French founder, Victor Paillard (1805-86).
Estimate £10,000-15,000.
