The present group, The Archangel St Michael Vanquishing Lucifer, is after the model executed by Professore Carlo Finelli, Carlo Tonetti's uncle, between 1836-44, for the Basilica of Superga. There is little biographical information about Tonetti, but it is reasonable to assume that Finelli, who frequented Canova's studio and collaborated with Thorwaldsen, was the more celebrated of the two sculptors. Testament of this is Tonetti's flattery to his uncle in this highly-accomplished copy of one of Finelli's principal works.