CENTER WRITING TABLE

FURNISHINGS

Center writing table

Veneered and inlaid with rosewood, mahogany, bois de rose, maple and boxwood on walnut

Fratelli Cassina (Francesco and Giuseppe)
Milan, January 26, 1796

It measures:

79.5 x 94 x 58.5 cm

State of conservation:

excellent

Particolare tavolo scrittoio da centro, con numerosi e inusuali meccanismi per l’apertura di scomparti segreti

Particolare scritta tavolo scrittoio da centro, con numerosi e inusuali meccanismi per l’apertura di scomparti segreti

The rectangular table features a minimally overhanging top with an “owl’s beak” edge. The decoration is symmetrical over the entire surface and consists of an alternation of geometric and plant motifs centered around a hexagon in a three-banded frame enclosing a complex floral design. The corners of the top are embellished with multi-petal flowers. The linear fascia is decorated with a simple motif using chiaroscuro effects achieved by combining oblique or vertical wood grains in linear frames. The square-section legs taper downwards and culminate at the top in a square capital where the multi-petal flower decoration is repeated. The legs have a narrow section just under the capital embellished with a faux fluting design. The legs are decorated with the same chiaroscuro effect as seen on the fascia. There is one drawer on each of three sides. The table also contains numerous secret compartments opening via spring-loaded mechanisms. The front drawer contains a slide-out writing surface bearing an inscription in India ink on its underside:

The front drawer contains a slide-out writing surface bearing an inscription in India ink on its underside: “1796 li 26. Genajo – Fabri.to – Dalli fratelli Cassina – in Milano” [26 January 1796 – made by the Cassina brothers in Milan].

The brothers Francesco and Giuseppe Cassina, both cabinet makers, were originally from Meda but also worked in Milan. Francesco, nicknamed Volpino [little fox], was the more famous of the two. He crafted and signed a desk with a fold-down writing surface veneered in walnut and walnut burl with bois de rose inlay, currently in a private Milanese collection. The underside of the bottom drawer bears an inscription written in pen: “1779, 10 febbraio – Questo buro è stato fabricato di Francesco Cassina in Meda, detto il Volpino” [10 February 1779, this bureau was made by Francesco Cassina “il Volpino” in Meda] (Alberici 1969).
In 1793, Giuseppe earned mention from the Società Patriottica di Milano for his inlay work (Beretti 2005).

Photo: Giorgio Majno

Bibliography:

Alberici C., Il mobile lombardo, Milano 1969, p. 106.
G. Beretti, Laboratorio, Inlimine, Milano 2005, p. 107.