An Italian yellow, pale green, polychrome lacquered and parcel-gilt carved wooden cradle, Venice, circa 1770

with outward curved overscrolled ends carved with a rocaille cartouche, with a green painted tôle liner with a handle at each end, dipped serpentine sides, each side carved with a ribbon-tied medallion with putti at various pursuits, some with grapes, one with a flaming athenienne, one with a scythe, with floral swags, foliage and laurel leaves and trophies, the detachable pierced base with a shaped apron on cabriole legs, the knees with a rocaille cartouche enclosing a  profile medallion on inward scrolled feet

Private American Collection.

In overall good conserved condition. Good colour match with the catalogue photograph.Some minor retouching to the lacquer. Old minor marks, chips and scratches commensurate with age and normal usage and some flaking inside.The tole liner is later and has a hole for water drainage. Evidence old woodworm which appears to be no longer active. There are some scattered small circular stains as visible from the catalogue photograph which could be scorch marks. There are some hairline construction cracks and scattered very minor age cracks as visible from the catalogue photograph.
"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:
Saul Levy, Lacche Veneziane Settecentesche, Vol. II, Novara, 1999, Tav. 414-415.
Giuseppe Morazzoni, Il Mobile Veneziano del’700, Milan, 1927, Tav. CCXXXII.
Clare Santini, Mille Mobili Veneti, L’arredo domestic in Veneto dal sec. XV al sec. XIX, Venezia, Vol. III, Modena, MMII, p. 286-287, figs. 498-500.
E. Barbolini Ferrari, Mobili Dipinti, Modena,, 2004, p. 160.

This extremely rare polychrome lacquered cradle of boat-shaped form with carved and painted decoration is a very fine example of the skill of the Venetian depentore who were at the peak of their expertise towards the middle of the 18^th century, when whole rooms would be furnished with lacquer pieces displaying their virtuosity. The exquisite refinement of the Venetian lifestyle encompassed all objects of daily life in La Serenissima from the cradle to the grave.

This Transitional piece dates to around 1770 due to the presence of the neo-classical motifs such as the trophies and profile medallions, although the last vestiges of the rococo remain in its shape, rocaille carving and cabriole legs. The handles on the side for carrying and detachable base make this cradle extremely practical. Two types of these cradles are known to survive–those with a detachable base as on the present example and those with a rocker known as a`culla a dondolo’. Furthermore, several examples solely decorated in lacquer are recorded but those combining lacquered decoration with carved elements are rarer. Whilst chairs, tables, commodes and bureau cabinet are commonly found with this type of decoration, cradles rarely survive. The medallions with frolicking putti or children are very appropriate for a cradle.

One of the closest examples which is fixed on cabriole legs is illustrated by Barbolini Ferrari, op. cit. p. 160, and has carved as well as painted decoration as on the offered example. Another closely related cradle on a rocker decorated in yellow and polychrome lacquer with carved decoration and neo-classical profile oval and rectangular medallions is illustrated by Santini, op. cit., p. 286, fig. 498.

Two further examples, although lacking the profuse carving which is present on this cradle include:one lacquered in yellow with polychrome flowers with neo-classical medallions is in the museum of Cà Rezzonico, Venice, illustrated by Levy op. cit. Tav. 414-415 and another illustrated by Morazzoni, op. cit., Tav. CCXXXII.

A related cradle of similar form on a rocker but lacking the carved elements as on the offered cradle was sold in these Rooms, 15^th December 1999, lot 120.