AN ENGRAVED IVORY INLAID AND INDIAN EBONY TABLE, ITALY, SECOND HALF 19TH CENTURY, ATTRIBUTED TO GIOVANNI BATTISTA GATTI |

the rectangular top with a scene depicting Amphitrite with newts and putti, scrolls, medallions of architects and painters, of monuments of Roma, of the seasons, the continents and the four elements, on trestles

Probably collection of the Dukes of Hamilton, Easton Park, Suffolk, England

The illustration of the catalogue is accurate. Good overall condition despite the inevitable natural minor cracks to the ivory. There are some minor chips and losses to the ebony of the feet and to the frieze. There are some minute surface scratches and dents to the veneer. The fixation system between the top, the feet and the stretcher needs to be restored. Impressive marquetry with nice engravings. Elegant design.
"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 Italian cabinetmaker Giovanni Battista Gatti (1816-1889) specialized in the inlaid techniques in vogue during the Italian Renaissance, working mostly with ivory and mother-of-pearl, against grounds of ebony or intense colored timber. These pieces were coveted during his lifetime, the South Kensington Museum (now the Victoria & Albert Museum, London) acquiring some while exhibited, notably at the Universal Exposition of 1878 held in Paris. Our table was probably part of the collection of the Dukes of Hamilton at Easton Park in Suffolk, England, whose assets were dispersed following WWII. A table with an identical iconographic pattern on the top, from the former Bubani collection, might possibly be housed at the Palazzo Milzetti in Florence.