An Italian walnut table, Bolognese mid 17th century

with a rectangular moulded top above a frieze drawer applied with two raised tablets with concave corners on composite baluster and ring-turned legs joined by straight stretchers; restorations



 

Old marks, chips and scratches. The top has a circular gouge towards the middle of the front and cracks some of which show evidence of previous restoration. The keyhole on the drawer has been filled and the handle on the right looks a later replacement. Evidence of old worm and insect damage as visible from photograph. Several holes have been filled and there are two holes in the top of each rear stile which have not been filled. The rear panel is a later replacement. The top has also later sections of wood added along the front and rear edges. The same has also been done to some of the stretchers and the blocks beneath the legs. In overall good restored condition.
"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."

Comparative Literature:
L. Bandera, Il Mobile Emiliano, Milan, 1972, p. 65, fig.54.
G. Manni, Mille Mobile Emiliani, L'arredo domestico in Emilia-Romagna dal secolo XVI al secolo XIX,  Modena, 1980, p. 159, fig. 364, p. 162, fig. 372, for Bolognese tables of similar form with virtually identical legs.
HF.Schottmuller, Wohnungskultur und Möbel der Italienischen Renaissance, Stuttgart, 1921, p. 150.

Bandera, op. cit., p. 65, fig. 54, illustrates a Bolognese table with almost identical legs.  Another model is in the Landesmuseum, Graz, illustrated by Franz Windlich Graetz, Möbel Europas, Vol. I, Munich, 1983, no. 64.

A similar table was sold in these Rooms, Haute Epoque, 31st October 2007, lot 136.