Mazarin desk inlaid with ivory, Italy, 19th century

Height x width x depth: 108 x 148 x 66 cm.

veneered in rosewood (Dalbergia spp.) and inlaid with elephant ivory (Elephas maximus Linnaeus, 1758 or Loxodonta africana Blumenbach, 1797).
An extraordinary example of late 19th-century decorative cabinetmaking, this elegant "Mazzarina" desk stands out for its refined craftsmanship and sumptuous inlay decoration. The structure, made of solid wood and veneered in fine rosewood, follows the typical layout of a double-pedestal desk, with an upper tier and a central writing surface.
The entire piece is richly adorned with intricate inlays in elephant ivory and mother-of-pearl, featuring motifs inspired by Neo-Renaissance and Neoclassical repertoire: winged figures, trophies of arms, urns, grotesque masks, putti, birds, floral garlands, and grotesque ornaments are arranged in harmonious symmetry across the front, sides, drawers, and top of the desk.
The central writing surface is embellished with a mythological scene depicting a winged female figure carrying a flying putto, finely executed in mixed inlay technique. On either side, grotesque compositions with anthropomorphic figures emerging from floral motifs recall the antiquarian taste and the Roman tradition of "grottesche". The sides of the desk are decorated with architectural scenes, including a male figure set within a classical niche framed by columns and entablature, likely an allusion to the virtues or the domain of knowledge.
The piece rests on turned and fluted legs, joined by shaped stretchers also inlaid with decorative motifs, contributing to an overall impression of balanced structural elegance and ornamental richness.

This lot, accompanied by an expertise issued by Ce.S.Ar Centro studi archeometici, is only available for sale with shipments within the European Union.