The auction dedicated to Antique Art concluded with over €1.3 million in sales, an 80% sell-through rate, and a 168% increase on starting prices, confirming a renewed appreciation for this historic sector.
The highlight of the sale was the album of drawings formerly owned by the renowned Milanese typographer Giuseppe Vallardi, dedicated to the artist Giuseppe Bossi (€102,400).
Appearing at auction for the first time, this precious volume—also containing three works now attributed to Andrea Appiani—offers a vivid glimpse into the creative fervor that animated the Brera Academy in Neoclassical Milan.
Lot 114
Giuseppe Bossi (Busto Arsizio 1777 - Milano 1815) e Andrea Appiani (Milano 1754 - 1817), "GIUSEPPE BOSSI / MILANESE / Questi disegni da lui eseguiti / a testimonio / dell'alta erudizione e filosofia / nell'arte in cui fu maestro / e a grata riconoscenza / GIUSEPPE VALLARDI / raccolse / l'anno MDCCCXXI". Album containing 380 drawings of various sizes collected by Giuseppe Vallardi (Milan, 1784 - 1861), three of which have been traced to Appiani: sheet 70, no. 263; sheet 100, no. 377 (?); sheet 106, no. 386 (56.5x73x7.5 cm approx.).
Sold € 102.400
Capturing the attention of textile art collectors was the Oudenaarde tapestry from the 15th–16th century (€96,000): a rare example distinguished by an elegant feuille de chou composition in shades of blue and embellished with the heraldic coat of arms of the Ubaldini-Chigi family, enhancing its prestigious provenance. Competition to secure it was particularly intense and lively.
Lot 107
Oudenaarde Manufacture, 15th–16th century.
Feuille de Chou tapestry with the heraldic coat of arms of the Ubaldini-Chigi family at the corners of the border (328 × 272 cm).
Sold € 96.000
Numerous other lots achieved solid results, demonstrating widespread interest across the various categories that make up the “Classical” sector. The sculpture after a model by Benvenuto Cellini (€28,160) and the ancient marble relief bearing the coat of arms of Pope Innocent VIII (€25,600), together with paintings from the Italian sphere—including Stefano Magnasco and Deodato Orlandi—are further examples of the strong outcomes achieved by the artworks. Refined ivory carvings, a centerpiece with an architectural structure in silver and lapis lazuli, as well as selected furnishings and paintings of international origin, confirm an overall highly satisfactory result.
Lot 94
From the model by Benvenuto Cellini, "Perseus with the Head of Medusa",
sculpture in green serpentine, alabaster base adorned with caprons amid foliated volutes and mascarons; four Greek deities in marble set in niches alternated with relief busts of caryatids on a square marble base (total h. cm 245).
Sold € 28.160
Lot 42
Ancient carved marble relief depicting panoplies with weapons, helmets, and shields, the upper one centered with the heraldic coat of arms
of Pope Innocent VIII (Cybo de Mari family) (181x58,5 cm).
Sold € 25.600
Lot 102
Stefano Magnasco ( Genova circa 1635 - 1672 ), "Sacrifice of Isaac" oil on canvas (109x142 cm.).
Sold € 24.320
Lot 108
Deodato Orlandi ( Lucca 1260 - 1330 ), Madonna enthroned with the Child ("Maestà"), tempera and gold on panel (97x64.5 cm.)..
Sold € 20.480