An Italian gilt-bronze and gilt-metal-mounted tulipwood, kingwood and parquetry bureau cabinet, Genoese mid 18th century

the upper section opening to reveal a fitted walnut interior with pigeonholes, a pair of doors, two further doors and four serpentine-fronted short drawers above a pair of candleslides, the lower section with a fall-front opening to reveal a fitted interior with a central door enclosing two pigeon holes with two short and one long drawer, flanked by further pigeon holes above two serpentine drawers, flanked by a cupboard door above a pull-out writing slide inlaid with trelliswork above two short and two long drawers

Comparative Literature:
L. Caumont Caimi, L'Ebanisteria Genovese del Settecento, Parma, 1995, illustrates related examples nos. 63, 107, 110, 162, 171.
L. Canonero, Barocchetto Genovese, Milan, 1962.
G. Morazzoni, Il Mobile Genovese, Milan, 1962.
Alvar González-Palacios, Il Mobile in Liguria, Genova, 1996, p. 264, no. 307.

The vicinity to France and its political influence on the Republic of Genoa throughout the 18th century had a strong impact on its cultural life and the Ligurian decorative arts. As Genoa was a major port, the local ebanisti benefited from the imports of precious woods such as tulipwood and kingwood which was utilised on commodes, occasional tables and bureaux (see lots 10 and 23), which were executed with a skill comparable to their French colleagues.

The most distinctive feature of Genoese veneered furniture is the quatrefoil motif, often with elaborate variations; it originates from Anglo-Dutch oyster-veneers. A French touch was added using superbly chased gilt-bronze mounts, locally produced, which represents on Genoese furniture the only ostentatious element on pieces where the understated elegance is otherwise provided by slender curves, sabre legs and an almost imperceptible 'bombé' and serpentine shape.