A Florentine Renaissance Writing Table

A mid 19th century, 15th century Florentine Renaissance style carved walnut and poplarwood "Tavolo Fratino" writing table, the surfaces of the timbers, originally stained very dark, now nicely-worn and with a bronze-like patina. Fitted with a hidden, shallow drawer in one of the long rails, which are decorated with fluting. Standing above a pair of "Coppia di Assi" uprights joined by a central stretcher rail decorated with haut relief carved heraldic coats of arms and with Mannerist style scrollwork, fitted with lions' paw feet.

Please note: Florence was briefly, from 1865 to 1870, the capital of a newly re-unified Italy. During this short "Risorgimento" period, in Florence, many items of Renaissance style furniture were carefully made - and this small table  is a typical example of this period. Area of Florence, Italy, circa 1870.