.jpg?w=1)
Lot Essay
The Piranesian classical ruins depicted on the front and sides of this commode recall the work of Giovanni Maffezzoli (1776-1818), the Cremonese maker who was the most gifted pupil of Giuseppe Maggiolini (1738-1814). Piranesi's architectural engravings were a source of inspiration for many North Italian intarsiatori. His influence can also been seen in the work of the Piedmontese intarsiatori Ignazio Ravelli (1756-1836) who worked with his son, Luigi (1776-1858). The Ravellis specialised in creating marquetry pictures as well as incorporating panels into case furniture.
A commode with comparable marquetry, by Maffezzoli was offered at Sotheby's as lot 316, 13th June 2001. Although with projecting columns, similarities can be drawn with the Vitruvian scroll running around the top and bottom, the obelisks on the angles of the frieze and the fruitwood marquetry panels depicting architectural ruins.
A commode with comparable marquetry, by Maffezzoli was offered at Sotheby's as lot 316, 13th June 2001. Although with projecting columns, similarities can be drawn with the Vitruvian scroll running around the top and bottom, the obelisks on the angles of the frieze and the fruitwood marquetry panels depicting architectural ruins.