Attributed to Fernandino Pogliani A very finely engraved ivory inlay and silvered-bronze mounted ebony and ebonized side cabinet Northern Italy, third quarter 19th century

of architectural form, the arched upper structure centered by Venus attended by nymphs, flanked by Corinthian columns and fitted with three cupboard doors above three drawers, the lower structure with three frieze drawers above three cupboard doors, the cabinet finely decorated with acanthus scrolls, flowing floral and fruiting vases, Renaissance style masks, chimeras and animals

Giacomo Wannenes, Mobili d'Italia l'Ottocento, Milano, 1987, pp. 57 and 58, showing cabinets with similar bronze vigures and vases

In good condition and impressive presentation. Overall with the usual minor scratches, dents and nicks to veneers and carcass consistent with age and use. The department encourages interested parties to use our online e-catalogue's zoom function to enjoy magnified and alternate views of this lot.
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.
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Ferdinando Pogliani (active 1860's and 1870's) worked with his sons Paolo and Carlo in his workshop in Borgo di Porta, Vittoria N.81, Milan. Later he had a showroom in the elegant Via Monte Napoleone and won prizes in several leading exhibitions, becoming one of the city's leading cabinet-makers. His entry in the encyclopedic history of Milan reads: ...`much sought after and very expensive is ivory and ebony inlaid furniture. In this field Pogliani excels with his perfect technique which was very much admired at the exhibition in 1881.' He specialized in the manufacture of large architecturally inspired pieces of furniture made from ebony inlaid with ivory, tortoiseshell and pietre dure with gilt-mounts. The subject matter included amorini, flowers and mythological subjects and animals.