AN ITALIAN ROCOCO PARCEL-GILT POLYCHROME SETTEE, GENOA CIRCA 1760 |

with a removable back rest 

Giuseppe Rossi Collection, Turin.

In overall good restored condition and ready for use. The painted and parcel gilt decoration apparently in largely original condition with small areas of retouching. Decorated surface and carved elements with typical signs of wear including small chips and losses consistent with age and use. Joints sound and sturdy with minor movement to points of construction consitent with age. Upholstery in good condition. Underside with strengthening blocks to corners and evidence of old worm. Well drawn and highly decorative.
"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 proportions of this settee with serpentine lines, parcel-gilt borders, floral carvings and painted with colourful foliate sprigs are typical of Genoese production. Although unpainted, a closely related pair of sofas is located below mirrors in the Galleria Dorata of the Palazzo Carrega-Cataldi in Genoa. The striking similarity between this settee and a set of six Genoese chairs, circa 1740 sold at Sotheby's London, The Italian Furniture: From the Estate of the late Giuseppe Rossi, 10 March 1999, lot 166 (£88,000) leads to think that the present lot and the chairs might have been part of the same suite.

With a padded drop-in back and seat covered with later red upholstery, this settee also relates to other sets of armchairs, sold at Sotheby’s New York on 22^nd June 2007, lot 504 and Sotheby's London, 21 March 2009, lot 166, which feature a scroll as an armrest end and leaf reliefs delicately enveloping the top edges of the chair and which generally demonstrate the refinement Genoese seating offers.