Early 19th Century Italian Inlaid Marble Top Desk. Gold gilding on cabriole legs and perimeter of desk. Black marble inlay. Large drawer with key. Excellent condition. This Italian antique desk measures H:31 1/4" W:58" D:30 1/4", from the floor to bottom of desk/drawer 23.5", depth from front foot back to stretcher is 14", from floor to top of stretcher 12". Very unique desk. A further description of Italian antique furniture: From the beginning of the Renaissance in the early 15th century, there were changes in furniture forms that were to spread over Europe. The growth of a wealthy and powerful bourgeoisie caused the building of more substantial houses and a demand for good furniture. Italian Renaissance furniture shows a strong architectural bias, and the purpose of the piece, as in Roman furniture, was subordinate to its form. The furniture of the early Italian Renaissance is often restrained, with beautiful, simple designs carved in walnutor for more elaborate work, sculpture in low relief and stucco modelled in intricate patterns were much used. The stucco was usually gilded all over and picked out in bright colours. The fixed writing desk is the forerunner of the writing bureau, which became an indispensable article of furniture as writing became more general. Italian Renaissance furniture forms reshaped the furniture of the remainder of Europe. This is a fine example of an 19th Century Marble top Desk or Bureau. Historically the word "marble" derives from the Greek marmaros, "shining stone" Marble is a metamorphic rock resulting from the metamorphism of limestone, composed mostly of calcite (a crystalline form of ). It is extensively used for sculpture, as a building material, and in many other applications. Pure white marble is the result of metamorphism of very pure limestones. The characteristic swirls and veins of many colored marble varieties are usually due to various minerals which give a variation of color. This Desk is a fine example of Sienna Marble with details of inlaid marble band. Perfect to have a drawer, and the cross stretcher for function and adornment. The painted acanthus leaf motif on the knees in gilt, and other gilt ornamentation to truly make this unique Marble top desk one of a kind.

Antique Furniture
Antique Desks & Secretaries