A rare and magnificent Italian Rococo pewter inlaid fruitwood three piece writing desk with beautiful rich patina.
Born in Northern Italy in the first half of the 19th century, exquisite hand-crafted construction, featuring fine quality craftsmanship, materials and detailing throughout. The exceptionally executed, impressive large scale antique writing desk surmounted by serpentine upper portion fitted with nine drawers and a locking cabinet with original key included; the mid-portion with shaped fall-front writing surface panel concealing five short shelve pigeonhole cubbies, flanked on each side by deep drawers, and resting atop four large chest drawers; the façade with highly attractive richly figured burled veneer outlined with fine pewter inlay and contrasting exotic woods inlays; standing on carved walnut cabriole legs joined by curved X-shaped cross stretcher.
Marks to verso:
A.U. 17, A.U. 20
Provenance:
Skinner, Boston, Massachusetts; European Furniture and Decorative Arts catalog, October 5, 2013, lot 784.
Property from the Estates of Ramon Osuna (1937-2019) and Robert Lennon (1933-2021), Washington, D.C.
Longtime Washington-area art dealers, Mr. Osuna was born in Havana and came to the Washington area soon after Fidel Castro came to power in 1959. He initially made his name as a dealer in contemporary art but gradually expanded into the Old Masters. With his longtime friend and partner Lennon, he owned galleries in Washington for many years and, at his death, also had Osuna Art...
Category
19th Century Italian Rococo Antique Pewter Desks
