A very fine Italian walnut and burr walnut bureau-cabinet, Emilian, after Venetian models mid 18th century

of serpentine bombé form, with a scrolled cresting, the upper section with two panelled doors fitted with shelves, the inner doors with mirrors, with a shaped fall-front opening to reveal small drawers, above two crossbanded drawers, on scrolled feet

Collezione Trivulzio, Milan

Alvar González-Palacios, Il Mobile dei secoli, Fabbri Ed. Vol.1, 1969, illustrated plate 97.

In overall good conserved condition. Attractive patina. Old very minor marks chips and scratches commensurate with age and use. Some very minor age cracks in veneer and losses especially to the mouldings around the drawers. Very minor scroll recarved at top of cresting on the rear right side which is only visible from behind. Some old minor restorations to veneer which have been well executed. Feet scuffed. Unusual form with flaps at front opening to allow drawers on lower section to be pulled out.Mechanism on fall-front has been altered as evidence of previous fixings. Later handles on internal drawers inside fall-front and they have been stained inside. Escutcheon missing from fall-front. Evidence that there were previous handles on long drawers below and escutcheons now missing. Some vertical cracks down front of drawers some of which have been filled in the past and are opening up again. Locks changed on flaps. Later shelves internally on upper section and doors slightly warped.
"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."

A similar bureau cabinet was sold in these Rooms, lot 56, 24th and 31st May 1985.