19th Century Venetian Lacquer Painted Secretary Bookcase Desk
$7,800.00
An elegant and imposing late 19th century two-part Italian secretary bookcase cabinet or desk crafted in the Venetian and Rococo Revival period styles. The piece features a beautifully timeworn lacquered surface with hand-painted figural and scenic landscape decoration throughout. The lacquered exterior is richly ornamented with painted reserves in relief depicting pastoral scenes, figures, butterflies, birds, and decorative flourishes on a warm ochre and olive-toned ground with red and green edging. The upper case is crowned by a shaped Rococo broken pediment crest. The case is fronted by a pair of doors inset with foxed antique mirror plates, which open to reveal a striking oxblood red-painted interior. Fitted with pigeon holes, cubbies, multiple shelves, and letter compartments. The interior of the doors open to reveal a stunning composition of a landscape with figures, echoing the exterior. The lower section is formed as a chest of drawers surmounted by a slant-front desk secrétaire. The drop front opens to a fitted interior with arched pigeonholes, small drawers, and a writing surface above the three large drawers. The cabinet rests on short elegant cabriole legs ending with scrolled feet. The cabinet has a wonderfully aged weathered finish with a beautifully varied and weathered natural patina. The piece works exceptionally well as a storage cabinet, desk, secretary, or bookcase. The back is left unfinished for placement against a wall. Two keys with tassels are included. Desk opens up to create a workspace measuring 26" wide and 21.5" deep. The piece has a makers stamp from P.T.A. Casarin, Venice, Italy under the top case. Affixed label Identifying the cabinet maker as a specialist in lacquered reproduction pieces from Venice. The case was crafted with an intentionally aged lacquer patina to mimic an early 18th century piece. Provenance: From the collection of Adolphus Andrews Jr. and Emily Taylor Andrews (Emmy and Dolph), San Francisco, CA. Mr. Andrews served as a longtime trustee to the boards of the de Young Museum, and The Palace of the Legion of Honor Museum in San Francisco, CA.
Dimensions: 38"w x 18"d x 82"h
Circa: Late 19th Century/Early 20th Century, Italy
Materials: Glass, Lacquer, Paint, Wood
Condition: Good, minor wear consistent with age and use. Beautifully crafted with solid joinery and an intentionally distressed finish. Age-appropriate wear with marks, craquelure, small losses to paint, and age cracks to finish as seen in photos. Aged foxing to mirrors. Includes 2 locking keys.
