Pair of Italian Baroque style carved stools or benches in the manner of Andrea Brustolon. Each features four carved figural cherubs supporting carved armrests with scrolled volute ends, above acanthus and scrolled carved legs, terminating into dragon head carved feet. Gold damask upholstered seats. 29" H x 28 1/2" W x 25 1/2" D. 19th century. Note: Andrea Brustolon (1662-1732) was a Venetian wood sculptor and carver famous for his carved Baroque-style furniture and devotional sculptures. These benches were acquired from the estate of Champaign, Illinois newspaper heiress Marajen Stevick Chinigo, who became an Italian Contessa when she married her fifth husband, Michael Chinigo, in 1953. The couple maintained homes in Champaign, California, and on the Amalfi Coast. A copy of the book "The Countess and the Mob: The Untold Story of Marajen Stevick Chinigo and Mafia Lord Johnny Rossell" by Maureen Hughes accompanies this lot.

PROVENANCE: Private Illinois Collection.

CONDITION: Both overall good condition with some wear, particularly at feet. One stool with losses to feet and some losses to top of armrests. Both covered in burnout floral velvet cream-colored upholstery.