An Italian polychrome lacquered bureau cabinet, Veneto mid 18th century

with a shaped cresting above two arched mirrored doors enclosing a fitted interior with a shelf and eighteen pigeon holes flanking a recess decorated in a green marbling above a fall-front opening to reveal a fitted interior with four short drawers and a cupboard above three long serpentine drawers, the whole decorated with polychrome sprays of flowers on a cream ground, on bracket feet, the reverse with various transport labels including two printed labels `Sig. Dott. Guliano Mattioli, via del Governo Vecchio, No. 69, Roma',

In overall good conserved condition. Charming detail to painted decoration. Some retouching to the lacquer which is generally in good order with old minor marks,chips and discolouration due to the varnish. The top of the cresting has been strengthened behind.There are restored hairline cracks and hairline construction cracks generally and other scattered age cracks which can easily be filled or left.The handles are probably later replacements. Some of the drawers inside the fall-front have been partially relined. There is a horizontal construction crack running across the full length of the top of the lower section but this is hidden once the upper section has been placed on top. All the feet have been reblocked.There are two small iron brackets behind the lower section probably to secure it to the wall.
"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 highly unusual bureau cabinet profusely decorated over its whole surface with floral sprays in pastel colours with its arched and concave cresting, mirrored doors above a straight fall-front and sides and with serpentine long drawers, is one of the finest examples of Veneto lacquered bureau cabinets recorded. Whilst many examples of Veneto bureau cabinets are recorded inspired by Oriental examples or decorated with arte povera, it is rare to find an example with such naturalistically depicted sprays so lavishly and skilfully applied over the whole surface of the piece and the cream ground adds to the vibrancy of the colours conveying a richness and gaiety so typical of 18th century Veneto lacquered furniture.

The taste for lacquered furniture reached its zenith in the 18th century with Veneto and in particular Venice being pre-eminent in its production. Aristocrats from all over the continent descended on the city during their grand Tour and for the Carnival; the ensuing exposure of laquerware to fashionable society resulted in a surge in the demand for these pieces throughout Europe.The depentore (lacquerworkers) in Veneto were at the peak of their powers towards the middle of the 18th century, when whole rooms would be furnished in lacquer displaying their superlative virtuosity. Many of the models for Veneto furniture were English or Dutch and surely the offered bureau cabinet has been inspired by such prototypes. The decoration of the lacquer was never identical and it was not uncommon for there to be several pieces in one room decorated with different motifs.