ANCIENT FLAPS

Lombardy, Late XVIII Century

Neoclassical secrétaire supported by truncated-pyramidal feet, on the front it has two doors surmounted by a flap door and concealing a scarab with a morocco top, a central compartment, small drawers and document compartments; there is a further drawer under the top. The cabinet is richly inlaid with maple designs within bois de violette reserves and bois de rose borders. Subjects of maggioliniana derivation are depicted, such as leaf and candelabra motifs, vases from which deliphines branch out on the lower doors, while on the flap is depicted, held by two ram's heads, a large floral festoon placed above two facing sphinxes. The sides are also richly inlaid with vases in the lower panel, while the upper panel features Minerva. Walnut interior, the marble top was added later.