Renaissance Maiolica Plaques Rediscovered After 140 Years

1st September 2026

Two extraordinarily rare Renaissance maiolica plaques by Francesco Xanto Avelli (1487–1542) have resurfaced after more than 140 years out of the public eye and will be offered in our British & Continental Ceramics & Glass auction on 22nd October 2026.

The plaques, each estimated at £40,000–£60,000, form part of a series of around 39 works painted by Xanto Avelli in 1536. Both are signed ‘F.X.R.’ and numbered 4 and 6 in the Persian History Series, depicting episodes from the life of King Cyrus. Two further plaques from the series are held in the Louvre (accession nos. OA9028 and OA9029)

Their remarkable provenance makes their rediscovery particularly exciting. The plaques were brought to England by Sir Andrew Fountaine (1676–1753) of Narford Hall, Norfolk, probably following his Grand Tour of Italy around 1714–15. Fountaine was one of the great collectors of Italian maiolica, and his collection was displayed in the celebrated ‘Octagon Closet’ at Narford Hall. The plaques remained with the Fountaine family for several generations before being sold at Christie’s in June 1884, where they were acquired by General Augustus Henry Lane Fox Pitt Rivers, founder of the Pitt Rivers Museum. They subsequently passed by descent through the Pitt Rivers family to the present owners.

Remarkably, the plaques were only recently identified after their owners sent a photograph to our valuations department. They had been hanging in the hallway of a small, West Country home for decades, their extraordinary significance unrecognised.

John Axford, Chairman, said: “The rediscovery of these two Xanto plaques is the sort of event that happens perhaps once in a generation.”

With an unbroken provenance spanning more than three centuries and a connection to two of England’s most celebrated historic collections, these exceptional works offer a rare glimpse into the collecting of Renaissance maiolica and an extraordinary opportunity for collectors and institutions alike.

The Tim Woolley Memorial Lecture

Join Professor Timothy Wilson, Honorary Curator at the Ashmolean Museum and leading specialist in Italian maiolica, for an insightful talk titled ‘Rediscovering lost Renaissance Masterpieces’ on Thursday 15^th October at our City Centre Salerooms, 51-­61 Castle Street, Salisbury SP1 3SU.

The talk will include a private view of the rare Italian Renaissance maiolica plaques by Francesco Xanto Avelli 1487­1542

• Tickets for sale £15 – All monies donated to Salisbury Hospice
• Drinks & Canapés will be served 6pm / Lecture 7pm 
• All enquiries to 01722 424500 or events@woolleys.live