Venice's winding canals are framed by the grand exteriors of Renaissance palazzos, a combination that has conspired to make La Serenissima one of the world's most captivating cities. These spectacular palazzos often hold even more fabulous treasures within, from detailed frescos to lavish antiques. Now, the interiors of one of Venice's most legendary palazzos will be sold at auction on February 28, 2024.
The Palazzo Volpi, which was built in Venetian Renaissance style in the early 1500s for the Talenti family, was decorated with spectacular frescos by Mannerist artist Il Pordenone. These frescos were said to be so exceptional that even Michelangelo traveled to Venice in 1529 to view them. The home passed through a series of noble families before being purchased by Giuseppe Volpi, the 1st Count of Misurata, in 1917. In the early 20th century, the visionary businessman had implemented electrical grids in Venice and throughout northern Italy. Later, he became Italy's Minister of Finance and the founder of the Venice Film Festival in 1932.
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The Palazzo Volpi was therefore the epicenter of society balls during the annual Venice Film Festival, drawing bold-faced names such as Winston Churchill, Coco Chanel, the Duke and Duchess of Windsor, Andy Warhol, Cary Grant, Paul Newman, Barbara Hutton, Elizabeth Taylor, Grace Kelly, Harrison Ford and George Clooney over the past century.
After Giuseppe Volpi's death in 1947, the palazzo passed to his son, Giovanni Volpi, who once owned Scuderia Serenissima, a Formula One racing team that partnered with Ferrari.
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Now, Giovanni Volpi, the Count Volpi di Misurata, and his wife, who still own the Palazzo, are selling 200 items of furniture and art from Palazzo Volpi at Sotheby's Paris on February 28, 2024.
The top lots in the sale include a set of fourteen Venetian giltwood chairs (est. €80,000-120,000), a pair of Italian giltwood side tables (est. €150,000-300,000), a Venetian Japanese-style console (est. €25,000-40,000) and pair of Venetian mirrors (est. €100,000-200,000).
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"Palazzo Volpi has been the beating heart of Venice throughout the 20th century and beyond, and we have had the privilege of sharing many memorable moments with our family and friends within its walls," said Count and Countess Volpi di Misurata in a statement.
"The building, despite its grand architecture, always felt very welcoming and provided the perfect backdrop to the collection it housed. By opening the doors of Palazzo Volpi to the world and offering these works of art, we hope that a new generation of collectors will now enjoy its unique beauty and taste and cherish these pieces as much as we did."
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This unique auction offers collectors the opportunity to own a piece of Venice's legendary history, from a place where Italian nobility, Hollywood royalty and the beau monde congregated throughout the 20th century.
