An Italian burr elm, ebony and lemonwood, palissander and padouk inlaid marquetry and parquetry casket, possibly by the workshop of Marco Calestrini (1763-1811) late 18th century

the elm-veneered hinged top with the coat of arms of the Strozzi and Firidolfi da Panzano within drapery flanked by trompe l'oeil representing of two sheets of paper bearing the name Alberto Firidolfi and the inscription "to Madame/Livia Strozzi Firidolfi/Florence", with a gilt-bronze handle on either side, each corner inlaid with a neoclassical urn

Probably given as a wedding present  from Alberto Firidolfi da Panzano to his wife Anna Livia (1779-1828), daughter of the late duke Lorenzo Strozzi and Donna Ludovica of the princes Altieri, on the occasion of their marriage in 1797.

Comparative Literature:
Enrico Colle, Il Mobile neoclassico in Italia Arredi e Decorazioni d'Interni dal 1775 al 1800, pp. 188-190, illustrated p.190.

In overall good original condition. There are two vertical age cracks to the left and right side of the coat of arms on the lid which show signs of previous restoration. O old minor marks, cracks and scratches consistent with age and use. Attractive detail to the marquetry.
"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 neoclassico in Italia Arredi e Decorazioni d'Interni dal 1775 al 1800, Mondadori, 2005, pp188-190.

The combined coat of arms and the inscriptions on the two pieces of simulated paper on the top indicates that this elegant casket was probably a wedding present  from Alberto Firidolfi da Panzano to his wife Anna Livia (1779-1828), daughter of the late duke Lorenzo Strozzi and donna Ludovica of the princes Altieri, married in 1797.

This piece encapsulates the skill of the Florentine artisans active in the Ducal court in the latter years of the 18th century. The elm-veneered ground can be seen in a small writing table by Angelo Ballatresi or Balatresi circa 1792,  now in the Pitti Palace,(see E. Colle, Il Mobile di Palazzo Pitti, Il primo periodo lorenese 1737-1799, Florence,1992, p. 96, no. 27). The geometrical decoration and the quality of the woods used brings to mind a table by Marco Calestrini circa 1791, with inlays of different woods representing the victory of Hungary over the Turks, which was then displayed in the bedroom of Grand Duke Ferdinand III, in the Pitti Palace  (Colle, 1992, page. 94, n. 26). The table has a stylized inlaid vase on each of the four corners is similar to those which are visible on the sides of the four commodes delivered in 1793 to the Florentine court, see Colle, op. cit., p. 190.

The activity of Marco Calestrini is compatible with the possible execution date of this casket. He was born in Florence in 1763, he lived there until 1811 (S. Chiarugi, Botteghe di Mobilieri in Toscana  1780-1900, Firenze, 1994, page 430), delivering to the Court, the above-mentioned table in 1791, and then the couple of chest of drawers (now to be seen in the Villa del Poggio Imperiale). In the invoice for the table it is mentioned that his workshop was in via de' Servi.

A copy of a written expertise by Enrico Colle dated April 2004, of the above in Italian, is available from the department upon request.