A suite of Italian ivory painted and parcel-gilt seat furniture by Bartolomeo Manghetti, Turin late 18th century

comprising a settee and six armchairs, the settee and armchairs with drop-in padded back and seat

Probably originally part of the suite of seat furniture supplied, circa 1780, to Carlo Francesco Valperga, Conte di Masino and Marchese de Caluso for the Palazzo Masino, Turin.

The Valperga di Masino was one of the oldest, wealthiest and most prestigious families of the Italian nobility. For ten centuries the primary residence of the Valperga's was Masino Castle, with halls frescoed and richly furnished in the 17^th and 18^th centuries. The Madama Reale apartments, decorative salons and a chapel holding the ashes of Arduino of Ivrea, King of Italy in the 11^th century, all bore testament to the opulent tastes of the family. Conte Carlo Francesco Valperga di Masino refurbished the castle during the second half of the 18^th century in the fashionable Louis XVI style. The last of the principal line, Conte Carlo Francesco Valperga di Masino died in 1845 leaving no descendants.  His wife and heir, Contessa Eufrasia then passed away four years later leaving much of the land, the castle of Masino and a residence in Turin, as well as the family titles to Conte Luigi.  

 

An attractive lot in overall good conserved condition. Joints sound and sturdy. Some retouching to painting and gilding. Settee strengthened beneath. Some very minor chips to painting and gilding which are hardly noticeable and can be touched up. An attractive lot in overall good conserved condition. An identical suite comprising a settee and six armchairs from the contents of Vigna Corte di Bonvicino Moncalieri, Turin sold in these Rooms for £40,000. Measurements: Settee: 106cm. total height, 35cm. floor to seat, 68.5cm. armrail to floor; 3ft.5½in., 1ft.1¼in., 2ft.2½in. Chairs: 96cm. total height, 39.5cm. floor to seat, 61cm. wide; 3ft.1¼in., 1ft.3in., 1ft.11in.
"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:
G. Ferraris, Giuseppe Maria Bonzanigo e la scultura decorativa in legno a Torino nel periodo neoclassico (1770-1830), Turin, 1991, p. XXXIV, Tav. 35, for a pair of identical armchairs by Bartolomeo Manghetti, in the Palazzo Masino, Turin.

An identical suite comprising a settee and six armchairs is being offered for sale, from the contents of Vigna Corte di Bonvicino Moncalieri, Turin, in these Rooms, 17th November 2009, lot 27.  

Bartolomeo Manghetti:
Manghetti originated from the Foresto municipality of Lombardy, before moving to Turin and was awarded maestro minusiere from the Università dei Minusieri on the 6^th July 1786. Prior to this however, he already worked for the Royal House of Savoy when in 1775 he made the carvings for trumeau at Castello di Moncalieri. Manghetti appeared to have been the main mobiliere documented for supplying furniture to the Viceroy of Sardinia– Carlo Francesco Valperga, Conte di Masino, when work began in 1780 renovating the interior and exterior of his city palace in Turin. The palace was to be remodelled into two apartments and to retain the character of the Castello di Masino, the architects Filippo Castelli and Carlo Randoni were employed, meanwhile the furnishings and decoration were carried out by cabinet-maker Giuseppe Viglione and craftsmen including Francesco Bozzelli, Angelo Maria Pellegrino and Bartolomeo Manghetti. 
Various pieces had been commissioned from commodes to suites of seat furniture. Some of the armchairs and sofas can now be seen at the Castello di Masino – in the music room of the Queen's apartments and in the bedroom of those belonging to the Viceroy himself.