Antique Italian Secretary, 1760s

Italy
Rosewood a.o.
second half 18th century

Dimensions: H x W x D: 219 x 89 x 50 cm

:
Slender and well-proportioned secretary with architectural marquetry.

Two-part piece of furniture standing on slightly curved stud feet.
The three lower drawers are veneered with rosewood diagonally and mirrored starting from the keyhole. A corresponding arrangement of the grain patterns can also be found on the sides and the secretary flap.
The writing section, which is built on the chest-like base, is elegantly curved on the outside. The slanted writing flap leads to the strongly recessed top.
When we open the flap, we see a simple interior with four drawers veneered in light fruitwood.

The highlight of the piece of furniture is the single-door structure. Also diagonally veneered is the outer part of the door, which forms the frame for the almost three-dimensional inlay work.
A ribbed vault supported by columns is depicted. The use of different types of wood and grain patterns in combination with the chosen vanishing point perspective convey a spatial character. The strongly iridescent birch wood in the vault and the light maple wood chosen for the background make the effect of light and shadow tangible.

The cornice, which is pulled upwards in the centre, is partially mirrored at the front. The cranked end is made of end-grain wood pieces lined up in a row, typical of the period.

Condition: Restored and in a condition suitable for everyday use. Shellac hand polish.