Three Studies of a Carrosse Coupé

The Carosse Coupé was so called because it could only hold one or two persons rather than two pairs, and was supported on a one-beam structure. The ornamental detail of the carving and the asymmetrical cartouches painted in a French-inspired manner date the carriage to circa 1740. The inscription recording that this is the third carriage suggests it was designed for a specific occasion; such as a ceremonial entry of the Pope or an ambassador. A drawing showing the type of event the carriage would have been intended for, with a procession of carriages following the Papal portantina was sold at Christie's, London, 1 April 1987, lot 20, illustrated. Fuhring has identified a design for a carriage by the same hand with Spanish arms in the Museo Nacional dos Côches, Lisbon. He suggests both this and the Lisbon design were commissioned by a Spanish patron from an Italian craftsman.