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Lot Essay
Derived from a typical North Italian late 18th early 19th century shape, this type of writing desk was notably produced in Piedmont and Lombardy. The large scale marquetry panels attributed to Ignazio Revelli depict scientific experiences. They are derived and reminiscent of the Renaissance production in northern Italy and particularly Vercelli. It is interesting to note the illusionistic character of the design on the marquetry panels, especially to the tapering feet with trompe l'oeil motifs.
A closely related commode by Revelli with architectural marquetry panels uses the same geometic lower borders as that used around the top as well as on the lower border of the bureau offered here (E. Bacceschi (ed.), Mobili Intarsiati del Sei e Settecento in Italia, Milan, 1964, p. 64). A related desk of the same shape with architectural panels in the Museo Civico in Turin is illustrated in L. Mallé, Museo Civico di Torino, Mobili e arredi lignei, Turin, 1972, pl. 348.
A closely related commode by Revelli with architectural marquetry panels uses the same geometic lower borders as that used around the top as well as on the lower border of the bureau offered here (E. Bacceschi (ed.), Mobili Intarsiati del Sei e Settecento in Italia, Milan, 1964, p. 64). A related desk of the same shape with architectural panels in the Museo Civico in Turin is illustrated in L. Mallé, Museo Civico di Torino, Mobili e arredi lignei, Turin, 1972, pl. 348.