An exceptional piece having belonged to the Russian Princely Troubetzkoy family, by renowned Italian master furniture maker Angelo Barbetti (1803-1880). He, along with his workshop, was known for his virtuosity as a sculptor working in walnut in the renaissance style. Barbetti exhibited at major European exhibitions and received a gold medal at the 1851 World’s Fair. This exhibition quality example is a unique secretary desk which is signed and dated 1851. Pieces from 1851 of similar quality by Angelo Barbetti, sometimes spelled “Angiolo Barbetti” are conserved in the Victoria and Albert museum.
This unusual solid walnut piece is a rare trace of the mid-19th century’s fine furniture production in the Neo-renaissance style. Such a piece is early Neo-Renaissance and it helps us distinguish between the usual factory made late Victorian pieces in this style, and true works of decorative art.
More research will be necessary in an attempt to pinpoint the specific member of the Russian family whose unique herald is sculpted into the shield at the pediment of this improbable and historic desk.
Many thanks to all viewers and subscribers,
Cole Myers