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Lot Essay
The inlaid oval panel on the cross banded top is copying Flora (The Spring), an engraving by F. Bartolozzi of 1782 after the original by Angelica Kauffmann, R.A. (1741-1807) (C.G. Boerner, Angelica Kauffmann und Ihre Zeit Graphik und Zeichnungen von 1760-1810, Dsseldorf, 1979, p. 66, fig. 140). Flora, the ancient goddess of flowers, is attended upon by two nymphs and is preparing garlands for her festival, the Floralia.
An identical oval design after Kauffman is on the side of a late 18th Century Lombard commode, sold anonymously at Fernando Duran, Madrid, 21 November 1996, lot 224. A North Italian, 18th Century marquetry writing-table of similar design, from The Edward James Collection, West Dean Park, Chichester, sold at Christie's House sale, 2-5 June 1986, lot 66.
An identical oval design after Kauffman is on the side of a late 18th Century Lombard commode, sold anonymously at Fernando Duran, Madrid, 21 November 1996, lot 224. A North Italian, 18th Century marquetry writing-table of similar design, from The Edward James Collection, West Dean Park, Chichester, sold at Christie's House sale, 2-5 June 1986, lot 66.