Two decorative tiles, overlooked by burglars in a rural bungalow, have been identified as rare 16th-century Renaissance treasures and are now expected to sell for approximately £120,000. The maiolica plaques, which had hung in the hallway of a modest property in Shaftesbury, Dorset, for over 30 years, were unrecognized for their historical significance by the occupants.
Experts have now confirmed the tiles are part of a historic collection by celebrated Renaissance artist Francesco Xanto Avelli. The pieces were marked with his initials, 'F.X.R', signifying his birthplace in Rovigo, Italy. These plaques are believed to be two of 39 created by Xanto in 1536 for his Persian history series, and they have been missing for over a century. Similar works by Xanto are housed in The Louvre.
The rediscovered tiles depict scenes from the life of King Cyrus. One, titled 'The Baby Cyrus exchanged for the Shepherd's son,' is numbered four in the series. The second, numbered ten, is titled 'Cyrus encouraging the people of Persepolis to fight Astyages.'
Further research indicates that the plaques were brought to England by Sir Andrew Fountaine around 1714-1715 during his Grand Tour of Europe. Although unverified, a family legend suggests they were acquired directly from Cosimo Medici III. Sir Andrew displayed them at his Narford Hall estate in Norfolk. The tiles were later sold at auction in London in 1884 to General Augustus Henry Lane Fox Pitt Rivers. They remained with the Pitt Rivers family until they were gifted to the current owner's parents several decades ago.
The tiles are being sold individually by auctioneers Woolley & Wallis, with individual estimates ranging from £40,000 to £60,000. John Axford, chairman of Woolley and Wallis, described the rediscovery as a rare, generational event, noting the plaques' survival and impeccable provenance, including a connection to the Medici court. Neil Grenyer, head of ceramics at the auction house, confirmed the vendors had possessed the tiles for 30 to 40 years, aware they were valuable but not of their extraordinary historical significance. The sale is scheduled for October 22.