A fine pair of Italian green lacquered, parcel-gilt and arte povera guéridons a trespolo,Venetian circa 1760

each with a shaped top decorated with chinoiserie figures in a landscape, the frieze carved with lambrequins, the scrolled support with a bearded satyr mask above strapwork, on a tripartite base with three s-scrolled legs carved with strapwork

Formerly in the Fossati-Bellani Collection.

Clelia Alberici, Mobile Veneto, Milan, 1980, p. 237, fig. 335, illustrated.
 

Colour of gilding less greenish and much more natural and attractive than in the photograph. There are some minor areas of pitting and scratches to the tops as visible from photograph, but this does not detract from the charming decoration. On one guéridon, one lambrequin appears to be a later replacement. Beautiful detail to the carving which has some very miniscule chips as visible from photograph. Some very minor losses to gilding and painting, especially to the underside of the finial between the legs. Evidence of old minor worm, which appears to be no longer active. There is some minor retouching to the decoration, which is generally in good order. One of the finials on the underside is probably a later replacement. A very fine example of Venetian guéridons which are exquisitely carved. In overall very good conserved condition. Extra measurements taken in galleries: 82.5cm. high, 32cm. wide, 31cm. deep
"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."

These guéridons a trespolo are commonly found in Venice in the middle of the 18th century, either in lacquer or carved giltwood. However, this pair are especially rare due to the combination of the arte povera on the tops and the refined quality of the carving and ornately carved stems with the bearded satyr mask.

The technique of arte and lacca povera imitated oriental and true Venetian lacquer and was produced mainly in the Venetian states in the 18th century. Although this technique was not uncommon in other regions such as Piedmont. Firms of printers, particularly that of Giovanni Antonio Remondini, produced sheets of motifs with scenes of landscapes and figures, which would be cut out, stuck on to a piece of furniture and then painted and varnished. 

In Paris, in 1727, la maison Sieur Crépy fils was advertising engravings after a screen painted by Watteau with compositions suitable `aux découpures don't les dames font aujourd'hui de si jolies meubles'. Although this technique was invented probably as a cheaper alternative to the more expensive lacquererd pieces, surviving examples are nowadays considered equally rare as important lacquered pieces.  

A related pair of guéridons a trespolo with similar lambrequin frieze, stem and tripartite base with strapwork, was sold from the Estate of the late Giuseppe Rossi, Vol. I, in these Rooms, 10th March 1999, lot 122. Also see lot 125, in the same sale, for a single elaborately carved giltwood guéridon a trespolo with a figure of America carved on the stem, with an arte povera top depicting a scène galante.

For further information on Venetian lacquer,see footnote to lot 151.