An Italian Renaissance walnut, fruitwood and oak inlaid marquetry credenza, Florence or Siena, probably 16th century

Semenzato Venezia, Gli Arredi dell'Abbazia di San Gregorio, 28-29 November 2002, lot 461.

In good conserved condition, with marks and scratches consistent with age and use, and traces of old woodworm, which appears to be no longer active. Overall losses to the intarsia. Fitted with modern shelves. Shrinkage crack on the right side, which also has one loss circa 7cm. long.
"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 strapwork intarsia on an ebony ground found on the doors of this credenza closely relates to a typically Florentine intarsia which finds perhaps its best example in the Sacrestia of the Church of Santa Croce, Florence, dating from the mid-15th century (illustrated in M. Tinti, op. cit., fig. XXIV, reproduced here in fig. 1) and in the Convento di San Francesco, Fiesole, said by Tinti to be "in the style of Giuliano da Maiano" (op. cit., fig. XXXVII).