A pair of Italian ivory painted and carved giltwood demi-lune commodes, circle of Giuseppe Maria Bonzanigo, Turin late 18th century

each with a veined grey bardiglio marble top, above a frieze drawer and further drawer with a cupboard in each side

In overall very good conserved condition with lovely carving and original mounts. Unusual model from the circle of the leading Italian cabinet-maker Bonzanigo. Colour of gilding slightly darker and more attractive than in the catalogue photograph. Very attractive detail to carving. Some very minor chips commensurate with age. The drawers have been painted blue internally. Some retouching to painting. Three very minor hairline cracks in one area of marble top towards the rear edge of one and not too noticeable. Attractive size. In overall very good conserved 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."

Comparative Literature:
E. Colle, Il Mobile Neoclassico in Italia, Arredi e Decorazioni d'Interni dal 1775 al 1800, Milan, 2005.
G. Ferraris, Giuseppe Maria Bonzanigo e la scultura decorativa in legno a Torino nel periodo neoclassico (1770-1830), Turin, 1991, Tav. 28, p. XXVII, p. 108, Tav. LXXVI, p.157, Tavs. CLIV, p.158, Tav. CLVIII and Tav. 45, p. XLIV, Tav. 45. 
G. Morazzoni, Il Mobile Neoclassico Italiano, Milan, 1955, Tav. LXXIX.
V. Viale, Mostra del Barocco Piemontese, Turin, 1963, Vol. III, Tav. 209, Tav. 213.

This elegant pair of neoclassical commodes of strong architectural outline painted in ivory with carved details hilighted in parcel-gilding and applied with geometric motifs and laurel wreaths, is reminiscent of the work emanating from the circle of Giuseppe Maria Bonzanigo, in particular Francesco Bolgiè, in the last decades of the 18th century. Bolgiè was a carver at the Court of the King of Sardinia and was active until at least 1825. Bolgiè was known as a pre-eminent maker of commodes, consoles and corner cupboards. However, there are certain stylistic elements which incorporate features from the work of other ebaniste within the Bonzanigo circle making a definitive attribution difficult.

The form of these commodes take their inspiration from French models which were known as a commode à encoignures-with cupboards in their sides. Italian versions are recorded-see Viale, op. cit., Tav. 209 and 213b, the latter by Giuseppe Maria Bonzanigo.

The entwined laurel wreaths as a decorative element and the raised foliate backplates to the handles can be seen on a commode by Francesco Bolgiè, in the Palazzina di caccia di Stupinigi, illustrated by Ferraris, op. cit., Tav. 28, p. XXVII. The unusual decoration of the frieze of intersecting roundels and diaper motifs can be seen on a frame for a tapestry in the bedroom of the Duchessa d' Aosta on the second floor of Palazzo Reale, Turin, illustrated by Ferraris, op. cit., p. 108, Tav. LXXVI.

However, the entwined laurel leaves, raised foliate backplates to the handles and tablets shaped reserves with inverted corners can also be seen on the work of another member of the Bonzanigo circle, Giovanni Venera, see Ferraris, op. cit., p. 157, Tavs. CLIV, p.158, Tav. CLVIII and Tav. 45. Also see a commode by Giovanni Venera, illustrated by the same author op. cit., p. XLIV, Tav. 45, with similarly carved raised foliate backlates to the handles which are used as framing devices in a similar way to those upon this pair of commodes.