An Italian Renaissance ebony inlaid parcel-gilt and walnut secrétaire cabinet, Mantua or Ferrara mid 16th century

with an egg-and -dart border above a pair of stop fluted Doric columns flanking a fall-front applied with an associated panel in the form of a scrolled boss depicting Cyclops in his forge with Venus and Cupid, the angles inlaid with heart-shaped motifs, the fall-front opening to reveal a fitted interior with a balustrade with a central door flanked by female terms opening to reveal a further fitted interior with twenty drawers, one fitted for inkpot and sander, the lower section with two doors centred by a lion mask with an iron handle in its jaws on a panel with low relief scrolling foliage opening to reveal a shelf, the stiles with piastre motifs and fluting, each side with an iron handle on grotesque mask feet; alterations to the lower doors 

Purchased by the present owner from the Collection of Bruno Perrier, Ader Tajan, Hotel Drouot, 6th April 1992, no. 26.

 

In overall good restored condition. Colour slightly darker and more reddish brown and attractive than in the catalogue photograph. Old marks chips and scratches commensurate with age and normal use. Evidence of old woodworm which appears to be no longer active. Attractive detail to carved panel on front of fall-front. Restored age cracks. Some minor losses to rear edge right side to the border which are not too noticeable. There are two small horizontal constructions crack towards the bottom of the panel either side of the fall-front as visible from the catalogue photograph which can easily be filled. There is a horizontal crack across the inside of the fall-front which can easily be filled. The right capital on the freestanding column needs a slight adjustment as it is catching when opening the fall-front. Some of the mouldings between the drawers have been replaced. The parcel-gilding on the lower doors is later and the lock is old but added at a later date. The doors on the lower section have been altered.
"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."

There is a comparable Renaissance cabinet with arms of the Farnese family in the Victoria and Albert Museum, London.