An Italian amaranth inlaid marquetry and parquetry circular centre table, probably by Gabriele Capello `Moncalvo', in the manner of Pelagio Palagi (1775-1860) circa 1840

in the Etruscan taste, the segmentally veneered top centred by a roundel with a charioteer and an eagle within a stylised anthemion and foliate border, the outer border with stylised geometric motifs, roundels and foliage on a fluted flaring baluster stem supported on three recumbent female sphinxes on a concave-sided triform base and block feet

The table is much more attractive in reality than in the photo and can be placed immediately as it is in overall very good conserved condition.The colour overall is slightly darker, more natural and attractive than in the catalogue photograph. There are old minor restored cracks on the top which have been filled and well executed and are hardly noticeable. There are some old very minor restorations generally e.g. to the wing of two of the sphinxes of the base. Old very minor pitting throughout. The top of the stem is nicely inlaid and the underside of the top is veneered which is not visible in the photo. The detail to the marquetry and parquetry is most attractive.
"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:
R. Antonetto, Gabriele Capello detto Moncalvo ebanista di due re, Turin, 2004, fig.26-37, pp.207-209.
R. Antonetto, Minuiserie ed Ebanisti del Piemonte, Turin, 1985, pp. 386-388, plates 572-575 and p. 389, plate 578-81.
E.Colle, Il Mobile Impero in Italia, arredi e decorazioni d'interni dal 1800 al 1843, Milan, 1998, p. 370, no. no. 120, p. 371, no. 121, for two Etruscan style pieces at Racconigi.

The decoration on this centre table is typical of the designs of Pelagio Palagi (Bologna 1775-Turin 1860), with the contrast of light and dark woods and inlay of flowerheads, foliage, stylised anthemions and Greek key pattern. Several designs by him with similar motifs to those on the present table are preserved in the collection of drawings of the Fondo Pelagio Pelagi (Biblioteca dell'Archiginnasio, Bologna). Like many pieces of furniture after designs by Pelagio Palagi, it was most probably executed by Gabriele Capello also known as il Moncalvo (1823-1873), around the same time that the Bolognese designer worked on the refurbishment, circa 1832-36, of some of the interiors of the Royal Palace in Turin under the commission of King Carlo Alberto.

Antonetto, op. cit., p. 69, plate 1, illustrates the Gabinetto Etrusco with furniture by Capello after designs by Pelagio Palagi, circa 1834-1847, reproduced here in fig. 1. There is a table illustrated, the top of which is reproduced in plates 5 and 6, and the design of which is reproduced in fig.7. The centre of the table depicts a roundel with a charioteer which is conceived in a similar vein to that upon this table and it has a similar stylised Greek key motif to that upon this table. The Greek key can also be seen on a billiard table in Racconigi, illustrated by Antonetto, op. cit., plate 14. 

It is also worthwhile considering a circular centre table of smaller proportions made by Capello for Queen Maria Adelaide, now in Racconigi, illustrated by Antonetto, op. cit., plate 133.

Neo-Gothic taste became popular in Piedmont during the reign of Charles Albert. In 1835, the architect  Ernesto Melano started to build entirely in the Gothic style, for the Royal family, le Margherie, a pavilion close to the Palazzo Racconigi, outside Turin. Around 1840-48, the interior was completed and filled with furniture made by the Royal cabinet maker Gabriele Capello, after drawings by the celebrated architect and designer Pelagio Palagi.

Filippo Pelagio Palagi (Bologna 1775-Turin 1860):
He was born in Bologna and trained in Rome, where he worked upon the redecoration of the Quirinale Palace in Rome for Napoleon in 1812. He settled in Turin in 1832 and was in charge of the redecoration of the Royal palaces including Racconigi and was also made director of the school for design in 1834. He practised a wide range of furniture styles from the Etruscan to the neo-Gothic.

See Highly Important Continental Furniture, sold in these Rooms, 10^th June 1998, lots 114 and 115 for a console table and a games table after designs by Pelagio Palagi.