A Vintage Italian Paint Decorated Secretary Bookcase

Early 20th century, two part form, upper cabinet with a shaped pediment, two hinged doors with brass grille panels, red painted shelved interior, two candle slides, the lower case with slant front lid opening to reveal a red painted divided and drawered interior over three long drawers raised on shaped bracket feet, the whole with delft style blue grisalle painted decoration of Dutch harbour scenes, figures, ancient ruins, and various animals, with possible artist's initials to slat front lid of "M.P" and "S.R. Feceti".

92 x 46 x 22 in.

Private Collection, Burlington, North Carolina

Paint loss and chipping to some edges; no key; later lighting elements to interior of upper case; tight vertical shrinkage crack near center of slant front lid; inward bowing to brass grilles.