19th Century Italian Biedermeier Chest, 1830

Details

Description

Italian neoclassical chest of drawers

italy
walnut
c. 1830

dimensions: h x w x d: 94 x 124 x 58 … Read more Italian neoclassical chest of drawers

italy
walnut
c. 1830

dimensions: h x w x d: 94 x 124 x 58 cm

:
an exceptional italian chest of drawers from the first half of the 19th century.

the rounded, turned and ebonised legs continue upwards into two columns fitted with brass bases and capitals, which support the top drawer above.
the two lower drawers display a continuous walnut figure, whilst the top drawer, like the side panels of the piece, is designed with closely spaced, rounded vertical mouldings.
closer attention should also be paid to the original locks fitted to the middle and lower drawers: unlike most german or french chests of drawers of that period, they turn in a clockwise direction rather than anti-clockwise. The bolt on the middle drawer locks the top drawer as well when turned twice.

both the fluted-like structure of the top section and the unusual shape of the front legs appear extraordinary, if not downright strange, to the observer who is primarily familiar with german biedermeier furniture of the same period.
however, such a design was by no means uncommon in italian furniture of this kind. A comparable piece can be found in giacomo wannenes’ *mobili d’italia l’ottocento*, p. 78 (see attached photograph). The white carrara marble top mentioned in the literature also matches the top of the chest of drawers offered here.

the solid wood components are predominantly made of poplar. The quality of the workmanship reflects the range typical of italian furniture of that period: whilst the back panel is comparatively roughly finished, the dovetail joints beneath the marble top and the corner joints of the drawers are carefully executed.

condition:
restored and suitable for everyday use, with a hand-polished shellac finish.

please compare the following specialist literature:
giocomo wannenes - mobili d’italia - l’ottocento p. 78 See less