A pair of Italian arte povera and lacquer guéridon a trespoli, Venetian, mid 18th century

en suite with lots 68 and 69, the serpentine tops decorated with arte povera scenes of Chinese figures in landscapes surrounded by floral sprays and rocaille borders on a yellow ground with a serpentine apron carved with C-scrolls, on a turned baluster stem simulating Rosso di Verona marble with a central turned globular section decorated with arte povera flowers on a cream ground, on three red-lacquered S-scroll feet;

This rare pair of tables is in good condition, displaying marks and small losses consistent with age and use. The tops have had their gilt banding retouched and have minor losses; the lacquered surface has been conserved and the drawing underneath is worn. There are light lifting and small losses to the paper. The baluster column with small losses to gilding and decoration. One repaired leg loose and needs strengthening; scuffing to feet. The second table with one leg with repaired break.
"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:
Enrico Colle, Il mobile Rococò in Italia, Milan, 2003, p. 346.
Saul Levy, Lacche Veneziane Settecentesche, Milan, 1967, plates 230-37.
G. Morazzoni, Il Mobile Veneziano del Settecento, Milan, 1958, plates CCIII–CCXI.

Although numerous examples of classic Venetian trespoli are recorded, this fine set is extremely rare due to their number (see lots 68 & 69) and the combination of lacquer and arte povera would seem to indicate that they were conceived for a sumptuous interior.

Several examples of trespoli are illustrated by G. Morazzoni, op. cit., plates CCIII–CCXI, including in plate CCVII, a piece with a simpler version of the turned baluster stem seen on the present set. Several blue, red and green-lacquered trespoli, including a group from the Ca’ Rezzonico, Venice are illustrated by Saul Levy, op. cit., plates 230-37, and a further example from the Ca’ Rezzonico is illustrated by Enrico Colle, op. cit., p.346.

The technique of lacca povera (also termed arte povera or lacca contrafatta) was developed as a means of imitating the effects of costlier and more time-consuming painted lacquer decoration on furniture and smaller wooden objects. The process involved applying motifs cut out from ornamental prints and covering them with a varnish known as sandracca. Although the technique was fashionable in other European countries, notably the Scandinavian courts and in France, where such work was called découpure, the leading centre for production was in Venice, whose workshops created results every bit as sophisticated as true lacquer decoration. The best quality prints were actually produced outside of Venice in nearby Bassano by the celebrated firm of Remondini, which was started by the publisher and engraver  Giovanni Antonio Remondini (1634-1711) in c.1660 and continued by his descendants well into the 19^th century.