Very well drawn and historically interesting original pencil drawing, created in 1889.

A copy of the Empire Period Sofa for the Milan Cathedral, designed by Giocondo Albertolli, circa 1790.

Signed lower centre "J. G. H." and dated "23 Octobre 1889" - the French spelling of October suggesting this was drawn by a French artist. As yet I have been unable to identify the artist, but clearly they had a very accomplished hand.

Pencil on buff tone, wove paper, in a new acid free mount with backing sheet - ready to frame. 

Drawing in excellent original condition, some very light age toning to the sheet and small old tears lower right and upper left (see photos). 

Image 26cm x 30.4cm, mount 36cm x 38cm.

Comes with our Certificate of Authenticity - Guaranteed Authentic and Original.

Overseas buyers, please check the eBay Global Shipping Program for delivery charges to your location.

Giocondo Albertolli 1743 – 1839

Swiss-born architect, painter, and sculptor who was active in Italy during the Neoclassical period.

Albertolli was born into a family of artists in Bedano, a village north of the (at the time) landvogtei capital Lugano in what today is Ticino. He studied sculpture in Parma and became known for his ornamental architectural decorations. In 1770, he travelled to Tuscany to work with his brother Grato on the stucco decoration of the Villa del Poggio Imperiale. He then visited Rome and Naples, where he briefly worked with Carlo Vanvitelli. In 1774, he returned to his family in Bedano; soon he met up with Giuseppe Piermarini for whom he collaborated in future stucco decoration of palaces in Milan. From 1775–1779, Piermarini built the Royal Villa of Monza, where Albertolli provided the stucco decoration. Albertolli also worked in the Palazzo Melzi d'Eril in Milan and designed (1808–1815) the famed lakeside Villa Melzi d'Eril in Bellagio. He also rebuilt a Bramantesque chapel in Moncucco, called Shrine of Saint Lucius.

It is acknowledged by many historians that Albertolli contributed to give a new impetus to the art of ornamental design in Italy. He worked on the design of altars, candlesticks, chalices, and lamps for churches. Conversely, he didn't produce many paintings.

In 1776 Albertolli was nominated Professor of ornamenti architettonici (architectural ornament) at the newly created Brera Academy in Milan; he held this post for more than a quarter of a century until failing eyesight caused him to resign in 1812. In 1809 Napoleon made him a Knight of the Iron Crown.

Sofa for the Milan cathedral, by Giocondo Albertolli.