Venetian Neo-Rococo Dining Set by Vincenzo Cadorin for Testolini, 1890s, Set of 7

Details

Description

Historical-artistic cataloguing sheet
object: dining set comprising one extendable dining table (with two 40-cm pull-out leaves) and six matching coeval … Read more Historical-artistic cataloguing sheet
object: dining set comprising one extendable dining table (with two 40-cm pull-out leaves) and six matching coeval chairs.

period and style
period: late 19th century – early 20th century (circa 1898 – 1913).
style: venetian neo-rococo / barocchetto with distinct art nouveau (stile liberty) influences.
materials & technique: solid italian blonde walnut structure and hand-carvings; table top and aprons veneered in open-match walnut burl (radica di noce).
chairs feature traditional bottom webbing with jute straps and hemp twine.

manufacturer and maker
sculptural execution: art workshop of vincenzo cadorin (venice, 1854 – 1925). Distinctive feature: extraordinary masterfully carved zoomorphic motif on the four corner legs, depicting a winged swan.
proof of authenticity: period signature in graphite pencil "cadorin" on the raw wood underneath the tabletop framework.
commercial distribution: maison testolini frères (fratelli testolini) – piazza san marco, venice.
proof of authenticity: original commercial paper label affixed to the lower inner framework of the table.

provenance and family history (pedigree)the furniture set was originally owned by:giovanni chiesura & placida baldan
the owners' profile: great-uncle giovanni chiesura, a member of the historic chiesura family originally from chies d'alpago (belluno), relocated to venice between the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Together with his wife, placida baldan, he became the proprietor and manager of a historic grocery and colonial goods store (drogheria) located in the elegant campo sant'angelo (sestiere di san marco, venice).
the context of the purchase: driven by the economic success of the grocery store, which served the high bourgeoisie and professionals of the san marco district, the chiesura couple commissioned the finest parlor set for their venetian residence. Turning to the prestigious gallery of fratelli testolini in piazza san marco, they purchased this art lot, handcrafted upon order by the world-renowned workshop of vincenzo cadorin.

the line of inheritance: the furniture set has been jealously kept and preserved within the core family for over a century, reaching the present day intact through direct ancestral lineage.
technical and conservation notes
condition of the table: structurally sound and complete.
the wooden guide rails of the extendable leaves (pull-out mechanism) retain their flawless period cabinet-making tolerances.
condition of the chairs: six sturdy chairs with matching cabriole front legs.
the under-seat structure is sound, featuring intact jute webbing and original dark leatherette upholstery with peripheral brass tacks.

documentary value
this furniture set represents a very rare and precious material testimony of the venetian high craftsmanship of the belle époque. It flawlessly documents the high-end art subcontracting system in early 20th-century venice and embodies the spirit of industry and success of the chiesura-baldan family. This piece has an attribution mark,
i am sure that it is completely authentic and take full responsibility for any authenticity
issues arising from misattribution See less