Antonio Canova's Sleeping Lions

Continuing the grand-tour theme of recent Interiors and Fine Furniture auctions, this Interiors sale includes items of a similar nature, with reproductions of the Dancing Fawn and the celebrated Warwick Vase. Also included are interpretations of Antonio Canova's celebrated models of sleeping lions.

On his death in 1769 Pope Clement XIII was laid to rest in the Vatican, but Senator Abbondio Rezzonico (the nephew of the late pontiff) commissioned Canova to create a more fitting tomb for him in St Peter's. The work which includes Canova's lions in marble was completed in 1792, when the late pope's remains were removed to the new tomb.

Lot 409 is reproduced in bronze, resting in an integral bronze plinth, whilst Lot 440 is sculpted from the decorative stone, serpentine.

Oval Wall Mirror after the Manner of Robert Adam

Looking at the wonderful selection of antique furniture, we have Lot 444, this intricate giltwood and composition wall mirror. Designed after the manner of Robert Adam, with the oval plate surrounded with delicate scrollwork and flanked with winged sphinges, it is early 19th century in style, but 20th century in manufacture. In the catalogue, we have presented it in a dining room spread, but it could just as easily dress a drawing room or grand hall.

Napoleon III 'Boule' Card Tables

We then have Lot 459, a near pair of 'Boule' card tables, typically decorated with tortoiseshell and gilt brass. Dating from the reign of Napoleon III, one features the technique of premiere partie, whilst the other in contre-partie - this refers to the proportion of inlay compared to the ground and it is nice to have an example of each technique present in this lot.

Antique Pole-Screens

The auction then includes several pole-screens, dating from a mid George III example (Lot 477A), through to a pair of Victorian giltwood examples (Lot 350). A particularly striking example is Lot 605. Dating to circa 1800, this is in the manner of work by Thomas Hepplewhite and contains specimen hardwoods. It was sold by Spink & Son in January 1971 for £325. A very similar example was illustrated and briefly described in Ralph Edwards's Shorter Dictionary of English Furniture. 

A Specimen Marble Topped Occasional Table

Finally, we take a look at Lot 660, a cast iron and specimens marble topped occasional table. This would suit an orangery, conservatory or hall, with its decorative marble top, featuring a central star motif and radial inlays. This table along with several other pieces in the sale come from the private collection of Manchester racehorse betting tycoon Selwyn Demmy (1932-2020).

AUCTION DETAILS
Tuesday 26 & Wednesday 27 October | 10.30am BST
Donnington Priory, Newbury, Berkshire RG14 2JE

Day One | Browse the auction
Day Two | Browse the auction
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VIEWING:

• Viewing in Newbury:
• Sunday 24 October: 10am-4pm
• Monday 25 October: 10am-5pm
• Day of auctions: from 8.30am
• Condition reports and detailed images are available on dreweatts.com or by request.

Visitors are encouraged to wear a face covering while in the building, use the hand sanitiser provided on entering and observe social distancing rules. We may need to restrict the numbers of visitors viewing at one time, so if you would prefer to book an appointment in advance, please contact us. To book an appointment to view, please email: interiors@dreweatts.com or call 44 (0) 1635 553 553.