Precious Renaissance wedding chest, carved with a lowered bottom and pyrographed
Veneto (Venetian area) - 16th century

Walnut

Measurements: Length 166 cm x Depth 55 cm x Height 67 cm

We are grateful to Dr. Andrea Bardelli, expert in the field of wooden art with particular reference to Italian furnishings, for having kindly provided us with advice on this furniture.

It is a rare wedding chest in solid walnut essence, characterized by an elegant carving with a lowered and pyrographed bottom. This engraving technique is defined precisely as 'flat carving', or 'a champlevé', with pyrography finishes. Similar examples of this rare Renaissance artifact are preserved in important public collections such as the Civic Collections of Applied Art at the Castello Sforzesco in Milan or the Hermitage Museum in St. Petersburg.

The particular decoration of this type of relief, expertly finished, is characterized by a refined ornamental workmanship with stylized racemes and flowers, designed almost to recreate the textile effect of ancient tapestries.

An object of valuable value and a true symbol of social status during the Renaissance period, the particularity of the decoration of this chest are the two circular front panels with the effigies of the clients, immortalized in profile as if to look at each other . The particular poses, as well as the features of the knight and the lady, both aesthetic and in clothing, are the typical ones adopted by the Renaissance nobility.

The piece of furniture, in solid walnut with a uica axis top, rests on four feet with a double lion's paw (the two rear ones are also sculpted), with a skilfully carved mask in the center.

Sources of study:

https://www.antiquanuovaserie.it/ - Scientific dissemination site in the field of antiques founded and edited by Dr. Andrea Bardelli

For a comparison with the furniture in question, please use the following link: https://www.antiquanuovaserie.it/un-pregevole-cassone-veneto-istoriato-del-cinquecento/

The furniture comes with a certificate of guarantee and authenticity.

Upon request, free export certificate issued by the Fine Arts of Milan