Antonio Volpe Udine Artwork valuations, appraisals and auction estimates

Antonio Volpe, an active figure at the end of the 19th century in various projects and positions, including the Presidency of the Chamber of Commerce of Udine, founded the company "Società Anonima Antonio Volpe" between 1882 and 1883. In 1889, Società Volpe participated in the Verona Exhibition. Read the full biography

Antonio Volpe, an active figure at the end of the 19th century in various projects and positions, including the Presidency of the Chamber of Commerce of Udine, founded the company "Società Anonima Antonio Volpe" between 1882 and 1883. In 1889, Società Volpe participated in the Verona Exhibition. During its first public exhibition with bent beech furniture, the factory was awarded a first degree honorary diploma. Antonio Volpe died in 1893 and the management of the company passed into the hands of his son Giovanbattista, known as Tita. From here began the turning point of a capable and enlightened entrepreneur, anticipating Adriano Olivetti's Fabbrica di Bene many years later. In 1894 electric lighting was introduced and a patent was obtained for the production of folding wheels for steam bicycles. In addition to furniture, the company also produced complete sulky (lightweight buggies for trotting races) and toy hoops. The Company, sensitive to the needs of its workers, in 1901 enrolled them in the national insurance fund for disability and old age, at the company's expense. In 1904 it was awarded as the only company in Italy to have carried out this action together with the Bocconi factory in Milan. The Società Anonima Antonio Volpe entered the Venetian business scene. In 1923 Giovanbattista Volpe died. After several vicissitudes, the company was liquidated and closed permanently.