Sotheby’s London – The Collection of Giovanni and Gabriella Barilla

January 27th, 2012 by

From their Geneva residence, the collection of Giovanni and Gabriella Barilla, descendants of the famous dynasty of pasta makers, encompasses pieces for both the passionate and composed collector. Among one of the most important European collections of German and Italian porcelain, early Meissen by Böttger, Baroque commedia dell’arte figures by Kändler, and rare models and harlequins from the Wiessenfels group, mix happily with exceptional and very rare Capodimonte pieces, Buen Retiro, Vezzi and Fabrica Ferdinandea, Napoli groups and figures – altogether encapsulating the vibrance of ‘carnival’. Together with colourful Maiolica, Faenza and Della Robbia, these compliment and enrich the collection of elegant 18th century Venetian furniture and paintings, drawings, silver, works of art, books and 15th century manuscripts.