An important Italian gilt-and patinated-bronze-mounted cherrywood breakfront bookcase by Karl Roos, the mounts by Giuseppe Spagna, after designs by Giuseppe Valadier circa 1814, en suite with the following lot

with a triangular pediment above a frieze with ribbon-tied floral swags, the pediment with the Borghese coat of arms of a gryphon surmounted by a coronet, the door with a band of gilt-bronze stars and patera surrounding a mirror plate opening to reveal a blue painted interior with shelves flanked by panels painted en grisaille with urns issuing foliage on a blue ground, flanked by further glazed doors interposed by columns, the lower section with a slide with a green leather embossed panel with the monogram `CP'' above a pair of panelled doors flanked by single doors centerd by ribbon-tied garlands, on a plinth with later ebonised block feet; alterations to the side mouldings; formerly fitted

Commissioned by Princess Pauline Borghese for her husband Prince Camillo Borghese for the library in Palazzo Borghese, Rome, 1814
By descent to Prince Paolo Borghese, Villa Taverna-Borghese, Frascati, after 1860
Sold with the villa and its contents to Commendatore Saverio Parisi, 1897
By descent in the Parisi family until sold Semenzato, Rome, 1968
Sold Christie's New York, 26th October 1995, lot 220.

This bookcase is impressive and has a very good Imperial Provenance and is in overall good condition and can be placed immediately. Colour overall is slightly darker and more attractive than in the catalogue photograph. Some very minor restorations to the veneer and generally which have been well executed. There is a miniscule piece of glass missing from the bottom pane in the left door. There are some hairline construction cracks generally which can easily be filled. There is shrinkage of the panel in the left door of the lower section and some of the other panels which can easily be restored. The mount on the lower right door of demi-lune shape with the green insert is slightly loose and can easily be re-pinned.
"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."

For footnote, see following lot.