An Italian carved walnut centre table, Tuscan mid 17th century

in four sections, the two end sections of canted form, the two central sections with rectangular tops, all on lyre shaped supports joined by a stretcher centred by a fleur de lys, all with similarly carved central stretchers; some replacements to stretchers on the end tables

In overall good conserved condition. Slight warping to the tops, especially to the rectangular tops with canted corners. There are losses to the edges of one canted top due to insect damage and some minor losses to the tops due to insect damage. There are scratches, stains and water marks to the tops commensurate with age and usage as visible from the catalogue photograph. There has been some shrinkage to the tops and the battens protrude. Construction cracks at joints commensurate with age and usage. The legs on the tables with the carved tops have been partially replaced one one table and quite substantially on the other table.
"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:
E.Colle,  I mobili di Palazzo Pitti, il periodo dei Medici 1537-1737, Turin,1996, p. 144, no. 51, for a Florentine centre table on lyre supports, dating from the second half of the 17th century, in the Museo degli Argenti, Palazzo Pitti, with similar stylised fleur-de-lys on the stretchers.

This monumental table is rare not only for its size but also the fact that it is in four sections that can function independently of each other and must have been made for a grand interior or even a Palazzo.

A related large centre table on lyre shaped supports, decribed as Lombard, is illustrated by R. Del Puglia, Mobili e Ambienti Italiani dal gotico al floreale, Milan, 1963, Vol. 2, no.193, reproduced here in fig. 1.
William M. Odom, Italian Furniture from the 14th to the early 19th centuries, Volume 2, New York, 1967, p. 41, for a related centre table with similar stretchers, formerly in the Bardini Collection Florence, reproduced here in fig.2.