A pair of Italian blue, ivory and gilt painted cassapance, Venetian or Emilian first quarter 18th century

each with a shaped back centred by the Arms of Counts Camposampiero of Venice, above a rectangular hinged seat on a shaped base, the whole painted with scrolls, flowers and a stylised scallopshell

Colours overall less greenish, more contrast between the ivory and blue. One cassapanca is slightly more faded than the rest. Old minor chips, scratches and losses to painted decoration as visible from photograph. Strengthened at the back. Old restored vertical construction cracks in sides of base which have had their painting refreshed. Hairline cracks generally commensurate with age which can be left. One has a small hole in the back which was previously a knot in the pine carcase. Sound and sturdy joints. Some very minor retouching to painting in places which has nice craquelure and very attractive detail. Rare model and to have a pair in overall good original condition.
"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."

Comparative Literature:
E. Colle, Il Mobile Barocco in Italia, Arredi e Decorazioni d'Interni dal 1600 al 1738, Milano, 2000, pp. 260-261. 
G. Morazzoni, Il Mobile Veneziano des settecento, Vol I-II, Milan, 1958, Tav. XV. Ref. Liles d'oro della nobilita Italiana, 1958-1961 Edition, p. 260.

Colle, op. cit., p. 260, illustrates three early 18th century designs for cassapance conserved in the Modena State Archives, one of which is close to the offered pair with the bold scrolls, central cartouche surmounted by a Crown in the centre of the back and stylised scallopshell on the apron reproduced here in fig.1.

The use of painted furniture with trompe l'oeil effects such as perspectives and volutes give the impression of the base of a sculpture. Furthermore, cassapance were often found in the entrances of palazzos.There are many examples in Emilia, one of which is the elaborate cassapanca in the Palazzo dell'Università di Parma fig. 2.  Also see Morazzoni, op. cit., Tav. XV, for a very similar cassapanca formerly in the Prof. Elio Quaglino collection, reproduced here in fig. 3.