Lot 902
  • 902

An Italian walnut and tulipwood bureau cabinet, Venetian, mid 18th century

Estimate
50,000 - 80,000 GBP
Log in to view results
bidding is closed

Description

  • walnut, tulipwood, glass
  • 242cm. high, 144cm. wide, 69.5cm. deep; 7ft 11¼in., 4ft 8½in., 2ft 3½in.
the upper section with a swan neck cresting with later carved facetted neoclassical vases above a pair of arched mirrored doors enclosing a fitted interior with shelves, pigeon holes and mirrored door with four bowed and six serpentine short drawers above a pair of candle-slides, the lower section with a fall-front enclosing a pair of doors concealing a recess above one long concave and bowed narrow drawer, with canted stiles applied with shaped pilsters with concave sides on octagonal pad feet, the reverse with a printed paper label Anselmo Davan Padova

Condition

In overall good conserved condition. Old very minor marks, chips and scratches commensurate with age and normal usage. Good patina. There are some hairline and age cracks which are normal together with some old very minor restorations to the veneer which have been well executed and are not too noticeable. four slates on Four slats on the inside of the upper section to form the pigeon holes are missing but these can easily be replaced and do not detract from the piece and it has been later lined with green velvet. There are some patches to the veneer especially to the fall-front. The handles and escutcheons are probably later replacements. The feet are later and have been reblocked.
"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."

Catalogue Note

These trumeau as they were known (from the French mirror which used to stand between two windows), very soon became the pre-eminent piece of furniture in the palazzos of the Venetian aristocracy and wealthy merchants. Although they were meant to cut a bella figura on the best wall of a salon, these pieces were supposed to be functional too. While the bureaux-cabinets commissioned  for the surburban villas were often lacquered or decorated in arte povera to simulate lacquer, the finest examples of which are found in the most important palazzos of the lagoon were of serpentine form veneered in burr walnut.