A pair of Italian lacquered and painted chests of drawers, Roman circa 1770

of serpentine form, each with painted faux marble tops, above two drawers decorated with yellow scrolls 

In otherwise good conserved condition and slightly dirty but once cleaned they will look most attractive. Old very minor marks and chips to the painted decoration commensurate with age and usage. The painting has been refreshed in parts. There are some hairline vertical construction cracks down the front of the drawers and sides which are not too noticeable and can be left or easily filled. There are some waterstains to both tops. On one chest both legs have a metal strenghtener on the reverse and on the same chest the rear right leg has a later wooden block which has resulted in nail holes being visible on the side and there on the same side is an approximate 2cm x 1cm piece missing from the bottom. On the other chest there has been shrinkage to the right side panel resulting in a gap which can easily be filled.There is also some minor damage to the rear right and left leg of the same chest where the blocks have been nailed.
"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:
Enrico Colle, Il Mobile Neoclassico in Italia, Arredi e Decorazioni d'interni Dal 1775 al 1800, 2005, p.126-127, no. 2, for a commode decorated in a similar manner with grotesques and profile medallions.
W. Odom, A History of Italian furniture from the Louis XIV to the early XIX centuries, Vol II, New York, 1967, p. 234, fig. 283, for a painted Roman commode decorated in a similar vein.