An Early 20thC Italian Polychrome Painted Pedestal Centre Desk c.1920

Object Description

The beautiful polychrome painted pedestal desk, the decoration in the late eighteenth century neoclassical manner and the shape and form of the late nineteenth century, in an ivory coloured ground, the top painted with a central harbour scene within cornucopia and italianate foliate black tablets, the flanks with mythical beats and rural scenes and further decoration to the reverse; all being fielded panels and each section with line decoration, the three apron drawers over the two pedestal cupboards, the whole wonderfully worn with age and use and surviving from the first quarter of twentieth century northern Italy.

Object History

Unknown.

Object Literature

While the Rococo style was popular in France, 18th-century Italian furniture was in the Empire and Neoclassic styles. The curves of Baroque gave way to less complex and geometric. Paint colors returned to a more neutral palette. While the lines of Italian Empire and Neoclassic styles were plainer and more geometric, ornamentation was larger and inspired by Greek, Roman, and Egyptian styles.

A scarcely seen piece, and at a fraction of the cost of an eighteenth-century example; albeit an antique in its own right, harbouring a simply stunning aesthetic from all angles.

Object Condition

In desirable original and untouched condition, the paintwork has a good surface patina and has not been overpainted or restored in any way. The handles appear to be original. She is in one piece rather than three but being in softwood she is not overly heavy. As she is decorated to all sides she is termed as a centre desk.

Object Details