The Essence of Artistry:
Dreweatts, a renowned hub for luxury art auctions, is proud to announce the unveiling of an extraordinary private art collection belonging to the distinguished Italian interior designer, collector, and art connoisseur, Count Manfredi della Gherardesca (1961-2022). Recognized globally for his vibrant persona, cultural depth, and unmatched taste, Count Manfredi’s legacy is steeped in the essence of fine art and luxury.
Born into the noble della Gherardesca family amidst the enchanting galleries of Florence, Count Manfredi developed an unparalleled appreciation for the decorative arts. His journey in the realm of art traversed through the rich tapestry of classical masterpieces to the avant-garde expressions of contemporary brilliance. This seamless fusion of tradition and innovation became the hallmark of his distinguished career.
In collaboration with esteemed figures such as the iconic American artist Jeff Koons and the esteemed Lady Getty, Count Manfredi curated a collection that transcends boundaries and captivates hearts. Jeff Koons remarked on the profound connection he shared with Count Manfredi, stating, “His aesthetics were clear and sharpened. I will always feel united with Manfredi through the sensitivity that he shared with me of his insight into greatness.” Lady Getty hailed him as an “Iconoclast, Aesthete, Polymath,” reminiscent of a bygone era of romance and refinement.
In the sale is a group of black-glazed wares from the Belgian pottery in Namur, with its distinctive black colouring made from a very small deposit of black clay from fossilized wood. The style and colour was to emulate the British-made black ceramics of the same style, which Belgian potteries began copying in the 18th century. Both types have the texture of fine stoneware and a strong glossy black glaze. The finest pieces were decorated with silver, as on the examples in the sale and they were mainly produced for the aristocracy of the county of Namur. The group dates from the 19th century and reflects Manfredi’s compulsion for collection objects of the same type. The particular lot carries an estimate of £2,000-£3,00
Exclusive Auction:
This exclusive auction presents a meticulously curated assemblage, reflecting Count Manfredi’s diverse passions ranging from Modern and Contemporary art to Old Master paintings and exquisite decorative objects. Each piece in the collection resonates with his distinct yet deeply personal aesthetic, creating harmonious environments that exude sophistication and charm.
Among the highlights of this prestigious event are fine art masterpieces such as the head study of Gerland Heard by the legendary modern British artist Glyn Philpot, the evocative painting A Classical Portico with an Elegant Company Gathered by a Fountain by Jacobus Ferdinandus Saey, and the thought-provoking work Redd by the trailblazing American artist Lorna Simpson.
Furthermore, the auction features exceptional furniture pieces, including the iconic ‘Floris Chair’ by Guenter Beltzig and the whimsical ‘Capitello Ionico’ wooden chairs by the visionary Piero Fornasetti. Additionally, decorative arts enthusiasts will be delighted by treasures such as the vibrant ‘Famille Rose’ porcelain pheasants and the exquisite black-glazed wares from the Belgian pottery in Namur.
Perfect Sculptures
Sculpture aficionados will marvel at the set of thirteen 18th-century Italian terracotta portrait medallions by Jean-Baptiste Nini, capturing the essence of historical figures with unparalleled finesse. Furthermore, the pair of white marble models of Capricorns attributed to Innocenzo Spinazzi transports viewers to the majestic realms of Florentine artistry.
This auction, titled “Alchemy of Design: The Collection of Count Manfredi della Gherardesca,” promises to be a celebration of artistic excellence and cultural legacy. Join us at Dreweatts auction house on April 24, 2024, as we pay homage to a visionary whose passion for beauty knew no bounds.
A set of thirteen 18th century Italian terracotta portrait medallions by Jean-Baptiste Nini (1717-1786) Estimate £8,000-£12,000 Dreweatts A pair of white marble models of Capricorns, circa 1775 is attributed to Innocenzo Spinazzi (1726–1798). Interestingly these figures derive from similar, renowned Cinquecento marble compositions, belonging to the sphere of Bartolomeo Ammannati, kept in the Boboli Gardens in Florence. An unrivalled protagonist in the Tuscan sculptural realm of the second half of the XVIII century, Innocenzo Spinazzi was born in Rome in 1726 and studied figurative arts locally, in the workshop of Giovan Battista Maini. He went to Florence in 1769, summoned by the Grand Duke Pietro Leopoldo di Lorena, who would soon appoint him court sculptor. In addition to the execution of portraits and religious compositions, Spinazzi was in charge of the restoration of ancient marbles, kept in the collection of the Grand Duke.