An Italian carved boxwood, fruitwood and ebony frame by Giuseppe Maria Bonzanigo, Turin circa 1790

of rectangular form, the top with a trapezoid reserve with a laurel wreath with a palm branch and foliate branch with a pomegranate with a winged cherub head at each angle, each side with a neo classical female bust one in drapery and a hood the other with flowing locks above stylised foliage and an anthemion, the latter with a trapezoid reserve with the words `Qui _anduc_t hunc _rem vivet in eternum”  “He who …  this … will live forever”

In overall very good original condition. Colours slightly darker overall and more natural and attractive than in teh catalogue photograph. The carved detail is exceptional. Some of the lettering on the lozenge on the base has been chipped off. There are constrction cracks at the joints which would benefit from being filled which can easily be done. There is a very minor chip to the bottom left corner which is not too noticeable.
"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:
Claudio Bertolotto and Vittoria Villani, `Giuseppe Maria Bonzanigo: Intaglio minuto e grande decorazione', Exhibition Catalogue, Venaria, 1989;
Giancarlo Ferraris, Giuseppe Maria Bonzanigo e la scultura decorativa in legno a Torino nel perodo neoclassico (1770-1830), Turin, 1991;
Franca Dalmasso and Claudio Bertolotto, Plamiero in cornici di Bonzanigo, Antologia di Belle Arti, Il Neoclassicismo, III, Turin, 1992, pp. 80-84. 

Giuseppe Maria Bonzanigo (1745-1820):
Bonzanigo, together with Piffetti and Maggiolini, is considered one of the most outstanding furniture makers and carvers of the late 18th century with his pieces inspired by the sculptural as well as the architectural disciplines.

Works attributed to Giuspeppe Maria Bonzanigo have traditionally represented the best Italian neo-classical furniture evere sculpted. His work is characterized by the departure from the traditional Franco-Piedmontese School of furniture inlay and cabinet-making in favour of the more predominant use of carving, a technique which Bonzanigo took to  a truly formal apotheosis especially in the works realised for the Royal family.

Born in Asti in 1745, Giuseppe Maria Bonzanigo settled in Turin 1773. The following year he was elected to the Compagnia of San Luca. He worked for the Savoy Court for the next twenty years as a sculptor, wood-carver and cabinet-maker. In 1787, he was appointed official wood-carver to Victor Amadeus III, King of Savoy and remained in the position until the French invasion in 1796. In the accounts of the royal family, he is recorded as having supplied numerous stools, chairs, armchairs, benches, sofas, screens, beds and mirrors as well as many ornamental panel and chests of drawers for the Royal Palace in Turin and for the royal residences at Moncalieri, Rivoli, Stupinigi and Venaria.

His reputation grew in no small part due to the extraodinary quality of his wood carvings in light wood and ivory, the so-called `microsculpture' , which were highly sought after. In 1815, after the fall of Napoleon and the return of the Savoy family to Italy, he was re-instated as royal sculptor. His justly deserved reputation was such that on his death in 1820, the Gazetta Piemontese wrote `la bell'arte dell'intaglio ad altissimo grado di perfezione con quarant'anni di assidue cure...'

A single pair of frames by the same maker although larger and much more elaborate were sold in these Rooms, Treasures, a Princely Taste, 4th July 2012, lots 33 and 34.