A pair of large Italian oil on canvas and parcel-gilt chinoiserie painted panels by Pietro Massa, Turin, circa 1745

each of rectangular form, representing a joust of knights on Dogs of Fo and an Empress seated on a deer with her falconers in chinoiserie landscapes with pagodas within later leaf carved frames

The Marchesi Medici del Vascello, Piedmont, Italy.

Mostra del Barocco Piemontese, Palazzo Carignano, Turin, 1937, see fig. 1.

Both canvasses have firm relinings, the paint surfaces are stable with clean and clear varnishes. As to be expected with canvasses of this size, there is a scattering of retouchings of old minor damages and some strengthenings throughout, visible under ultra violet light, and a handful of very minor pinprick losses along the lower margins. They are offered in gilt wood frames and ready to hang.
"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."

The reverse of both canvases bears the label of the Marchese Medici del Vascello, which does not, however, appear on the smaller canvases (lot 27). It is not known whether this pair was already in the possession of the family when it was exhibited in 1937.

The First Marchese, Giacomo Medici (1817-1882), was one of Garibaldi’s leading officers during the Risorgimento and served as a senator in the new Kingdom of Italy, granted the title of Marchese in 1876. In 1887, the Second Marchese acquired from King Umberto I the former royal Savoy hunting estate of La Mandria, adjacent to the King’s larger domain, the Venaria Reale northwest of Turin. The family held the property until 1976, and it is possible these panels may have been in the estate’s hunting lodge the Borgo Castello at some stage.                   

For further information see the footnote to lot 27.