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Lot Essay
The distinctive trompe l'oeil architectural scenes of classical ruins depicted on the present commode and delicate ribboned foliate trails which adorn the uprights relate this commode to the oeuvre of Cremonese inlayer Giovanni Maffezzoli (1776-1818), arguably the most gifted pupil and follower of Giuseppe Maggiolini (1738-1814).
Piranesi's architectural engravings were a source of inspiration for many North Italian intarsiatori and his influence can be seen in the work of Piedmontese inlayer Ignazio Revelli (1756-1836) who worked with his son Luigi (1776-1858). Closely related examples by Maffezzoli featuring architectural scenes with classical ruins are illustrated in A. Gonzalez-Palacios, Il Tempio del Gusto, vol II, Milan, 1986, pp. 302-308, figs 630-646, while G. Morazzoni illustrates a related commode by Ignazio Revelli (Il Mobile Neoclassico Italiano, Milan, 1955, Tav. LXXXVIII).
Amongst the related examples sold at auction, a commode featuring comparable classical scenes was sold 'La Strada Romana', Christie's, London, 14 May 2008, lot 252 (£29,300). Further related commodes were sold respectively at Sotheby's, New York, 22 March 1986, lot 157 (ill. A.Gonzalez-Palacios, Ibid, fig. 646), Christie's, New York, 28 March 2007, lot 134, while commode by Maffezzoli was sold Osenat, France, 29 June 2008, lot 44 (EUR260,000).
Piranesi's architectural engravings were a source of inspiration for many North Italian intarsiatori and his influence can be seen in the work of Piedmontese inlayer Ignazio Revelli (1756-1836) who worked with his son Luigi (1776-1858). Closely related examples by Maffezzoli featuring architectural scenes with classical ruins are illustrated in A. Gonzalez-Palacios, Il Tempio del Gusto, vol II, Milan, 1986, pp. 302-308, figs 630-646, while G. Morazzoni illustrates a related commode by Ignazio Revelli (Il Mobile Neoclassico Italiano, Milan, 1955, Tav. LXXXVIII).
Amongst the related examples sold at auction, a commode featuring comparable classical scenes was sold 'La Strada Romana', Christie's, London, 14 May 2008, lot 252 (£29,300). Further related commodes were sold respectively at Sotheby's, New York, 22 March 1986, lot 157 (ill. A.Gonzalez-Palacios, Ibid, fig. 646), Christie's, New York, 28 March 2007, lot 134, while commode by Maffezzoli was sold Osenat, France, 29 June 2008, lot 44 (EUR260,000).