An Italian carved walnut cabinet, Piedmontese dated 1704

the upper section with a broken pediment above a balustrade centred by an architectural niche with St Dominic surmounted by an unidentified coat of arms flanked by putti with floral swags with a wicker basket of fruit surmounted by an eagle on each corner above a pair of doors enclosing a shelf, one with Neptune riding a sea monster, the other Hercules fighting a lion, three long drawers and two short drawers with a moustached mask, the projecting lower section with five similarly carved drawers above two doors, one with Apollo driving his chariot, one with Ganymede sitting astride an eagle, enclosing a shelf with panelled sides, the whole with raised mouldings carved with trails of flowers and foliage cherubs, seraphim, scrolls, eagles, winged female busts on a platform base on bulbous feet

Inventory of L. Bernheimer, at Palais Bernheimer, Lenbachplatz, Munich. 

In overall good conserved condition. Colour of wood less orange and slightly darker and more attractive than in the catalogue photograph. Attractive detail to the carving. Evidence of old woodworm which appears to be no longer active. All the feet have all been reblocked and there are losses to the feet and restorations due to old woodworm damage. There are some minor losses to the carving eg the scrolling foliage and flowers and there are some losses also due to worm damage. On the middle section there is a restored break in the right-leg of the right cherub which needs further attention and there are some old minor restorations generally. There are some losses to the mouldings on the doors due to woodworm damage and other minor losses to mouldings. The cresting has been strengthened on the reverse and there is evidence of old glue repairs. Both arms of the children flanking the coat of arms are missing some fingers. The cherubs flanking the pediments also lack some of their fingers and old breaks to the broken pediment have been restored. There are also some losses to the fingers of the left hand of the saint in the central niche. There is a loss of part of the cartouche on the right-side which can easily be recarved. On the right door panel part of the arm and both feet of Ganymede are now missing and there is a crack running through the panel which can easily be restored. On the one with Apollo part of the wheel of the chariot is missing, the foreleg of the horse, both arms and part of his face and there is a loss to the sky section. Although there are some losses to carving the piece is most impressive and can be placed immediately but the pediment section needs to be stabilised as in the galleries it is fixed 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."

Comparative Literature:
Arturo Midana, L'Arte del Legno in Piemonte nel sei e nel Settecento, Mobili decorazioni arredi barocchi e rococo, Turin.

This monumental profusely carved cabinet dated 1704 depicting mythological scenes is striking not only for its size but also the quality of the carving upon which Lehmann Bernheimer proudly proclaimed when showing it,`This is so lovely, I will never sell it.’ It must have been an important commission in 1704 but to date the coat-of-arms remain unidentified.

Midana, op. cit., illustrates various examples of boiseries, sacristies and choir stalls carved with panels in a similar vein to those on the offered cabinet.

The carved panels depict figures which all appear in Ovid's, Metamorphoses.