An Italian painted faux tortoiseshell, tortoiseshell and verre eglomisé mounted and parcel-gilt cabinet, the panels possibly by the monogramist VBL, Neapolitan second quarter 17th century and later, faux tortoiseshell refreshed

the central door opening to reveal two short and two long drawers, with a drawer above and below, with a scrolling foliate panel concealing a second drawer, flanked by three drawers on either side applied with two panels within ripple-cut moulding depicting mythological scenes after Torquato Tasso "Gerusalemme Liberata'', the whole painted to simulate tortoiseshell; panel bottom left drawer replaced; moulding on top and base later

Sold in these Rooms 24th May 2002, lot 5 (£15,000).

In overall good condition. Old minor chips, marks and scratches. The painting has been refreshed. Colour of panels is still vibrant. Gilded moulding on base replaced.
"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."

The painted panels on this cabinet share strong stylistic and technical similarities to a recorded series of glass panels with figures (also mounted on a cabinet) painted in the verre eglomisé technique which are signed by or attributed to the monogamist VBL, details of whom are obscure (Neapolitan or North European). For a discussion of the works of this maker, see Alvar González-Palacios, II Gusto dei Principi, Milano, 1993, pp. 133-137 pl. 194-213. See also an article by the same author in the Journal of the Furniture History Society, n. XXI, 1985, where another cabinet is discussed on pps. 11-15.
The present series of panels fall into the category of works where VBL painted figures on a blue ground with generous use of gold on drapery and other details rather than floral motifs, grotesques, trophies or Emperor's profiles on a gold ground.
The fashion for these tortoiseshell and faux tortoiseshell cabinets was very much in evidence in Naples and Spain. It is known that VBL worked in Naples in the second quarter of the 17^th century where the technique of painting on glass was well established and very much sought after by the Neapolitan nobility.
Although VBL was known for allegorical figures, most of his recorded repertory was biblical figures. Many of these cabinets mostly inset into an ebony carcass, are found in Neapolitan inventories.
Another Neapolitan cabinet with painted panels of Neapolitan sovereigns attributed to VBL, also discussed by Alvar González-Palacios, was sold by Christie's, Rome, lot 201, 27^th& 28^th November 1989. A pair of cabinets with painted panels possibly also by VBL, was sold by Sotheby's Monaco, 22^nd April 1989, lot 266. Also see another cabinet with panels possibly by VBL, sold in these Rooms, lot 45, 8^th December 1995.