A fine and rare Italian fruitwood inlaid marquetry and parquetry rosewood, burrwood and amaranth desk, possibly Roman mid 18th century

of serpentine form, the top inlaid with flowers, fruit-filled baskets and scrolling foliage above a frieze drawer flanked by two further drawers the front, sides and back inlaid with trellis parquetry on cabriole legs terminating in gilt-bronze mounts throughout   

Colour of the top slightly lighter and colour of front and sides slightly darker, and the gilt-bronze mounts more golden and attractive than the catalogue photograph. There are some very minor scratches and hairline cracks generally commensurate with age, which do not detract from the piece. There are also some old, very minor restorations to the veneer which are well executed and hardly noticeable. Attractive contrast of woods, and detail to marquetry decoration on the top. There are later runners on the drawers. There have been some old restorations beneath the lockplates internally, with some very minor later strips of wood, but this does not detract from the piece. There is a very minor vertical crack beneath the bottom left drawer as visible from the catalogue photograph which can either be left or filled. Impressive size and beautiful detail to the marquetry and parquetry and choice of woods. A highly unusual piece in overall good conserved condition. Highly recommended.
"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:
Enrico Colle, Il Mobile Rococò, Milan, 2003, pp. 120-122.

The shape of this piece is very much of Roman conception, however, the floral marquetry inlay on the top and the trelliswork with burrwood on the sides and drawer fronts are most unusual and are reminiscent of the work of German cabinet-makers working in Rome in the 18th century.

The very compact floral marquetry on the top of this desk is typical of pieces being manufactured in Rome in the first half of the 18th century with the marquetry in fruitwood on a dark wood ground. See  for example, Colle, op. cit., pp. 120-122, for Roman furniture  especially the bureau inlaid in a similar vein. In particular, it is worthwile noting the writing desk, described as Roman, third quarter 18th century, illustrated by Colle, op. cit., p. 122.