G.A. Villa. Lombard bureau, 1772.

Exceptional Lombard bureau or chest of drawers, signed, dated, and located! The drop-front is centered by the coat of arms of the Lampugnani family from the district of Legnarello (Legnano). The front, slightly convex, is punctuated by a first lower drawer and three identical ones below; the canted edges show a sequence of shaped elements and end with an introverted scroll foot. The hinged top, which has a strong movement on the sides narrowing towards the top, strongly characterizes the entire piece of furniture, thus giving space in the center of the side of the riser, to a richly molded head-wood upright. Inside we find three pairs of drawers of equal size veneered in a herringbone pattern. Behind them, well hidden, are several small drawers and secret compartments. Ebonized frames, "pel de rava" inlays, walnut and walnut root veneers expertly laid give preciousness to this splendid example of Lombard cabinet making. The piece of furniture has a further rarity; on a side of the secret drawers is signed: I Giuseppe Antonio Villa made this Bureau in the year 1772 in Legnarello.