The item seems like it has history, we are interested in appraising it with the end goal of selling it if it proves valuable. The design appears indicative of an above average piece; part of a serving set perhaps. We really don't know much about it- any information at all would be helpful...
The lady I purchased this from told me the original cost of this leather painting was $200 in 1980. It was a gift from her former boss who had purchased it somewhere in California.
I found information on the internet stating that Douglas Govan was a renowned Spanish sculptor, who taught his son Toby Govan who is a highly respected sculptor how to "romance the stone".
The dish is in excellent condition, the top is bent slightly in two places. It used to belong to my deceased great, great, aunt and I inherited two years ago.
This painting was purchased at a thrift store on June 18, 2008. An elderly lady in the store who had an extensive art background asked to see the painting before I purchased it. She told me it was several hundred years old and the technique used was "pastel". She told me to be very careful with handling the painting due to its age and technique. The paper on the back crumbled and finally fell off the back. I have a friend who is a Fine Arts Professor of a local Art Institute who I will have look at the painting but is away on vacation this summer. The painting does have a distinct "antique" smell.
