A fine and rare Italian rococo red Japanned slant front desk Sicily, third quarter 18th century

the trapezoidal top above a slant front opening to reveal a fitted interior, the lower section with three serpentine-fronted drawers raised on toupie feet, the whole decorated with chinoiserie scenes.

Count Lo Bue Di Lemos, Palermo, Sicily
sold, Sotheby's Milan, December 19 and 20, 2006, lot 334

International Fine Art & Antique Dealers Show, October 19-25, 2007
Winter Antiques Show, New York, January 18-27, 2008

 

Highly decorative, rare piece in very good overall condition with good craquelure. Minor restorations to decoration entirely consistent with age and use. Traces of old worm.
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.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING CONDITION OF A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD "AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF SALE PRINTED IN THE CATALOGUE.

This slant-front desk has no equal in the cabinet-making tradition of Sicily. The deep red color and the gilt reliefs in the English japanning tradition are exceptional in their execution. It is also interesting to note that the overall shape of the slant-front desk is virtually unseen in Sicilian designs.

The slant-front desk was the the collection of Count Lo Bue Di Lemos until the 1950s, at his residence the Villa Maria in Palermo. Don Gaetano Lo Bue Di Lemos entertained Garibaldi at this same villa and recruited volunteers for his campaign against the Papal States under the slogan Roma o morte.