AN IVORY, EBONY AND TORTOISESHELL CABINET

Details

AN IVORY, EBONY AND TORTOISESHELL CABINET
PROBABLY AUGSBURG, CIRCA 1659

Of architectural form, the main body with a scrolling surmount and clock inscribed Nilschlagt Schlagt Hoffman Tyrnau, the door with a trompe l'oeil scene of an architectural interior, opening to reveal twelve drawers and three niches with silver figures concealing three more hidden drawers, the stepped base with a sliding writing surface and an engraved armorial crest of the Borromeo and Arese families.
The surmount altered and the clock later; the silver figures associated; repairs; restorations.
24 3/8 x 34 3/8 x 13 3/8in. (61.9 x 87.3 x 34cm)

Lot Essay

The coat-of-arms engraved on this cabinet is that of Count Fabio Visconti Borromeo (1637-1683), quartered with that of the Arese family. On 23 October, 1659, Fabio married Margherita Arese, the daughter of Count Bartolommeo Arese, the president of the Milanese Senate. This cabinet was doubtless made to celebrate their marriage, and is by no means the only instance of an important piece of German furniture being made for an Italian patron.

More from Sculpture

View All