An Italian engraved ivory ebony veneered marquetry and parquetry table cabinet attributed to Theodore De Voghel, Naples early 17th century, the base later

veneered on back in fruitwood to form a centre piece

Camillo Castiglioni Collection, Vienna
Sold Christies, London, 2nd April 1998, lot 133

In generally good conserved condition. There are some minor age cracks to the ebony veneer and the ivory panels. The old silk lining inside the drawers is worn. Old minor marks and scratches consistent with age and use. Very attractive detail to engraving.
"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."

This table cabinet  also known as a stipo was listed as 'Italian c. 1600', in the sale catalogue of the Castiglioni Collection.

There are a number of other makers of comparable pieces in ivory and ebony, including Giovanni Battista de Curtis, Iacobo Fiamengo and Theodore de Voghel, all of whom were active in Naples around 1600. Ancient history and mythological scenes are extremely similar to those found on a number of their output, the lack of a signature on the offered example does not enable a definitive attribution.

However, it is conceivable that these pieces were collaborations between various makers, such as De Curtis who is recorded as an engraver on ivory, 'intagliatore d'avoli'. De Voghel was a master gunsmith for the King of Spain, and signed a stipo in the Ashmolean Museum 'Belllicorum Tormentorum Magister', literally 'Master of the Torments of War'. Furthermore, it is worthwhile noting that  the plaques at the corners of the top of the present cabinet correspond to those on the stipo signed De Voghel in the Ashmolean Museum, Oxford and it  seems reasonable therefore to attribute the present cabinet to him.
The practice of veneering in exotic woods such as ebony started to be extensively used in Italy from the second half of the 16th century. An ebony cabinet with ivory panels is recorded in 1566 in a room of the Palazzo Ducale of Mantua. The contrast of the ebony combined with the ivory reflects contemporary Baroque Spanish interiors, and this certainly inspired the cabinet-makers in Spanish-ruled Naples at the end of the 16th century. The combination of ebony veneer with engraved ivory panels seems to have been brought to Italy via emigrant craftsmen from Germany and the Netherlands.

A similar technique was commonly applied by Northern craftsmen in the decoration of weapons and arms. Theodore de Voghel, a Netherlandish craftsman, was employed at the Royal Armoury of Naples and it is more than likely that he also made cabinets as well.