A LOUIS XV GILT WALNUT FOLDING STOOL, FROM THE DUCHESS OF PARMA AT COLORNO, CIRCA 1755 |

upholstered with green and gold brocatelle; (regilt; both seatrails replaced)

Delivered for Louis XV's eldest daughter, Louise-Élisabeth de France (1727–1759), Duchess of Parma, for her palace at Colorno

A. Gonzales-Palacios, Il patrimonio artistico del Quirinale, Gli Arredi Franceci, 1995, n°29, pp. 186-187

The illustration of the catalogue is accurate. The structure is solid. There are minor holes on the X. The upper rails (covered by the material have been replaced, information given by the vendor). Despite regilt, the gilding has some wear and some ages. Material in good condition.
"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."

Summer residence of the Dukes of Parma, Colorno belonged to Madame Infante, Duchess of Parma (1727-1759), eldest daughter of Louis XV who married in 1739 the Spanish Infante Don Philip. Following the Treaty of Aix-La Chapelle, they took possession in 1748 of the Duchy of Parma. Madame Louise-Elisabeth, ambassador of French style, furnished the castle after two long journeys to Versailles and Paris in 1749 and between September 1752 and September 1753. She had many objects and furniture transported to Parma. Four matching folding stools are kept at the Quirinale Palace in Rome, and come from the Duchess of Parma at Colorno. Our folding model is from this series, whose provenance is attested by the presence of the Colorno mark and label (see A. Gonzales-Palacios, op.cit.) on one of them. This series was supposed to include about thirty pieces. Highly influenced by Parisian carpentry and by Foliot’s craftsmanship, it is possible that this model was made by French artisans on site in Parma.