An Italian fruitwood inlaid walnut cassapanca, Florentine early 16th century

 with an inscription in a cartouche AD above the date MDXII, the frieze with the words ` SEDES VIRTUTIS'

Sold lot 20, Sotheby's, Paris, 23rd February 2005 (42,000euros).

An attractive piece in overall ggod conserved condition. Nice patina. Some minor restorations and replacements to the marquetry and some minor patches generally and some old minor marks, chips and scratches commensurate with age. The scrolled corbels on top of the arms are probably later replacements. The battens beneath the top are later. There are old minor construction cracks commensurate with age. There are some minor losses.
"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:
A related example is shown illustrated Anna Maria Massinelli, Il Mobile Toscano, 1993, p.135, pl.XV from the Monte dei Paschi collection, Siena.

Another related example is illustrated F. Schottmuller, Wohnungskultur und Mobel der Italienischen Renaissance, 1921, pl.173, pl. 175-6.

Very few lettucci or cassapance with a high back have survived, see Roberta Ferrazza, Palazzo Davanzati e le collezioni di Elia Volpi, Florence, 1994, p.60, plate 47, for a comparable lettuccio formerly in the the Palazzo  and p.51, plate 39 where it is shown in situ in the first floor salon, circa 1910 and which is now in the Museo Horne, Florence.