A PAIR OF ITALIAN NEOCLASSICAL PAINTED AND GILTWOOD CONSOLE TABLES, NEAPOLITAN, LATE 18TH CENTURY |

each with breccia medicea marble top

These tables are overall in reasonable good condition an are ready to be placed. There are minor construction cracks, old marks and scratches to the painted surface, consistent with age and use. Gilding with some losses and rubbing throughout. Small scattered chips to the edges of the mouldings along the legs. The marble tops 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."

RELATED LITERATURE
Colle, E. Il mobile Neoclassico in Italia, Milan, 2005.
Gonzáles-Palacios, A. Civiltà del’ 700 a Napoli, 1734-1799, Catalogo della mostra, vol. II, Firenze, 1980.
Marotta, A. La Reggia e le fontane di Caserta, Caserta, 1973, p.37.
Valeriani, R. La Casa di Sandra Caraccioli, Rome, 2012.

White-painted console tables in a neoclassical style, such as these ones, were typically produced in Naples. Many skilled carvers were active in Naples at the end of the 18^th century, amongst them Gennaro di Fiore, who belonged to a dynasty of artisans active in Naples from the middle of the 18^th century. Di Fiore had been in charge of the decoration of a studio in the Palazzo Doria d'Angri, which furnishings were dispersed in a sale on March 1, 1940.  Although no definitive attribution can be made for this console table, the carved floral garlands on the frieze and legs is reminiscent of the work of di Fiore. A related Neapolitan console table was sold Christie’s Rome, 10 March 1992, lot 204. An example attributed to Gennaro di Fiore and in the Palazzo Reale, Caserta is illustrated in Gonzáles-Palacios, A. Civiltà del’ 700 a Napoli, 1734-1799, Catalogo della mostra, Firenze, 1980, vol. II, p.203. Unlike these examples, the present pair is not formed as a demi-lune, which makes them even more unusual. In this way, highly similar tables with the scrolling flowers and ribbons is illustrated in Valeriani, R. La Casa di Sandra Caraccioli, Rome, 2012, p.101 and another illustrated Colle, E. Il mobile Neoclassico in Italia, Milan, 2005, p.84.