Italian, Tuscan, late 15th century/ early 16th century

the interior with several hidden drawers

Carlo de Carlo, Florence;
and thence by family descent;
their sale, Semenzato Florence, 18-19 October 2000, lot 202;
private collection, Lombardy, Italy

There is wear and dirt to the surface consistent with age and handling, with some warping to the wood consistent with the material. There are a number of losses to the lower edge, corners, and the front, as well as minor losses to the lid and sides. There is worming to the surface consistent with the material, particularly on the reverse. The lid was possibly mounted in a different way in the past; traces of an alternative use are visible at the back corners. The locking mechanism is present but dismantled. Some sections around the edges are potentially restored. On the inside there are four drawers and three compartments with lids.
"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."

The inlay of polygonal tesserae in wood, bone, or metal as employed on this early Renaissance casket is referred to as alla certosina. It was especially popular in Lombardy and Venice and reached its apogee between circa 1450 and 1525. Cassones with similar inlay are in the Rijksmuseum Amsterdam and formerly in the Palazzo Davanzati, Florence, as part of the Elia Volpi collection. Another writing casket, with inlaid drawers and compartments on the interior similar to the present lot, was sold in these rooms on 28 October 2004 (lot 24).

RELATED LITERATURE
M. Tinti, Il Mobilio Fiorentino, Milan, 1929, pl. XIX;  Catalogus van meubelen en betimmeringen, cat. Rijksmuseum Amsterdam, The Hague, 1952, no. 384, fig. 10