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A North Italian Walnut and Fruitwood Marquetry Desk

Creator: Giuseppe Maggiolini
Offered by: L' Antiquaire & The Connoisseur, Inc.

Description
An Italian marquetry desk, the rectangular top inlaid with a central cartouche of female sphinxes flanking a military trophy and an urn filled with fruit and issuing scrolling acanthus within a pearl and banded cartouche, the corners with acanthus sprays above a frieze drawer and two small drawers flanking a kneehole, all inlaid with scrolling floral vinery within cross banded borders, the sides and back with conforming marquetry panels, raised on cuffed square tapering legs inlaid with tapering pearls.
This desk relates to the work of the Milanese cabinet-maker Giuseppe Maggiolini. He was one of the most celebrated Italian cabinet makers of the Neoclassical period and worked extensively for the aristocracy of Northern Italy. The Marchese Litta, along with the designer Giuseppe Levati, first recognized his talents as an intarsiatore in the 1760s. His many projects included the furnishing of the Palazzo Ducale in Milan, the Villa Reale in Monza, and the Palazzo Ducale in Mantua. One of the most distinctive and repeated motifs were the lush acanthus leaf scroll terminating in a flower head, as seen on the top of this desk.

More Information

Origin:	Italy
Period:	18th Century
Materials:	Italian Walnut and Fruitwood
Condition:	Excellent.
Creation Date:	Circa 1780-1790
Styles / Movements:	Baroque, Louis XVI
Book References:	G. Beretti, Giuseppe Maggiolini, Milan, 1994, figs. 209, 216-218.
Dealer Reference #:	DSV 18-23
Incollect Reference #:	177958

Dimensions

W.	46.81 in;	H.	31.69 in;	D.	24 in;
W.	118.9 cm;	H.	80.49 cm;	D.	60.96 cm;

Message from Seller:

The gallery deals in European works of art, antiques and paintings from antiquity to the end of the eighteenth century. Under Mrs. Fioratti's direction, the gallery has continued to supply works of art to museums across America and Europe. She has designed interiors in the U.S., Europe, and the Middle East. Mrs. Fioratti has worked on architectural restorations, and restored a 10th century village near Siena.