A pair of Italian carved giltwood armchairs, in the manner of Bartolomeo Manghetti, Turin last quarter 18th Century

each with an oval back surmounted by a top-rail carved with a trophy, on spirally fluted tapering legs, the blue silk upholstery of later date

Stunning model in overall very good condition and can be placed immediately. Good large size. Beautiful detail to carving. Joints sound and sturdy. Retouching to gilding in places. Gilding slightlly worn on arms. Not gilded on the backs as they were meant to go against the wall. There is a minor chip to the ribbon carved border of the back of one but this is not too noticeable.They have drop-in backs and seats. Some very minor surface dirt. Very small restoration to top of right arm where it joins the back of one armchair but this has been well executed and is hardly noticeable. There is also some black residue to the left of the arm of the same one which can easily be cleaned off.
"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:
Roberto Antonetto, Il Mobile Piemontese nel Settecento, Vo. I, p.397, fig. 2, for a related oval backed armchair by Manghetti, in the bedroom of the Viceroy of Sardinia, Castello di Masino, Caravino Turin.
G. Ferraris, Giuseppe Maria Bonzanigo e la scultura decorativa in legno a Torino nel periodo neoclassico (1770-1830),Turin,1991, p.133, 134 & 136, for a related armchairs by Bartolomeo Manghetti.

Bartolomeo Manghetti (active 1775-1792):
Manghetti originated from the Foresto municipality of Lombardy, before moving to Turin and was awarded maestro minusiere from the Università dei Minusieri on the 6^th July 1786. Prior to this however, he already worked for the Royal House of Savoy, when in 1775, he made the carvings for trumeau at Castello di Moncalieri. Manghetti appeared to have been the main mobiliere documented for supplying furniture to the Viceroy of Sardinia–Carlo Francesco Valperga, Conte di Masino, when work began in 1780 renovating the interior and exterior of his city palace in Turin.