An Italian Bambocci Chest of Drawers, Genoa Sec. XVI

Antique Louis XVI dresser, chest of drawers, veneered and inlaid with highlighted walnut wood (light and dark) with three drawers and original handles, coming from Genoa (Italy) from...

Provenance: Gismondi collection, before 1973. Historical Context This walnut wood and walnut burl cassetone is a remarkable example of Mannerist art applied to furniture in the late 16th century. While the Mannerist movement appeared and grew in Florence before acquiring its international stature it also spread to Northern Italy as soon as the late 16th century early 17th century. To the opposite of the rest of Italy where classic motifs are adopted very early, northern regions maintain the use of Renaissance motifs very late all through the 17th century. Sculpture now leaving the austere environment of churches and civil buildings appear in private homes where it graces state rooms and studies. This craze is particularly expressed on furniture from Liguria and particularly in Genoa where are produced highly carved furnitures with figures and spectacular decors called bambocci. This typically Genoese pieces express nonetheless a Florentine origin through Mannerism. Description This Genoese chest is framed by small figures skilfully carved from one wood chunk...

AN EXCEPTIONAL MUSEUM QUALITY, ITALIAN, RENAISANCE WALNUT CASSETTONE WITH A FITTED BUREAU IN THE UPPER PART & EXCEPTIONAL BAMBOCCI CARVING, LOMBARDY - This exceptionally rare, museum quality, piece of early furniture was conceived and crafted as an artwork of the finest quality of its time. Throughout time it has been a luxurious, statement piece which has protected it, and fortunately it has survived in virtually, original condition. - This magnificent cassettone exudes the character and quality of the finest, late-Renaissance furniture. Northern Italian Renaissance furniture often had the sides, legs or angles, 'a Bambocci', incorporating carved figures which were considered unique sculptures in their own right. - The putti on this cassettone are beautifully carved and of sculptural quality. Each angel has one arm raised to heaven, a poignant touch. - The lion’s paw feet are a classical feature and make a great statement. - This cassettone was conceived to have visual impact through the quality of the carving, as well as being very practical with the writing compartment fitted in the top part. - It has survived in very original condition with a few small repairs and losses, and the colour and patina are warm and lustrous. - This cassettone is illustrated Illustrated in C. Alberici, Il Mobile Lombardo, Milan, 1969, p. 45, one of the seminal works on Lombardy furniture, and has been in two renowned collections. The hinged top in two sections faced with a solid moulded edge. The front part has a fall front and opens to reveal a writing compartment. The fall front retains its original lock and is concealed with a false drawer which is above three drawers. All with moulded panels, escutcheons and retaining the original iron handles. The front ends have exceptional, bambocci, carved putti raising their arms to heaven above trailing foliage. Standing on magnificent lion's-head carved feet. The sides are panelled. Exceptional original colour and patina. Literature : Illustrated in C. Alberici, Il Mobile Lombardo, Milan, 1969, p. 45. A Gonzalez-Palacois, Il mobile in Liguria, Genova, 1996 illustrates related pieces Measures: Length 147 ½ cm. 58 in, height 104 cm. 41 in, depth 75 cm. 29½ in, Provenance: Coll. Private Azzate The Collection of Sandro and Lidia Orsi, Ca’ Mera, Varese. Regarded as one of the most beautiful homes in Lombardy, Ca’ Mera, the country house of Sandro and Lidia Orsi was filled with beautiful objects from many different epochs. A renowned antiquarian from Milan, over his lifetime Sandro and his wife Lidia revived the Renaissance and Baroque character of the house and instilled their own unique vision into the interiors, which culminated with the creation of a Kunst – or Wunderkammer. “I have never seen such an example of poetical taste”, Sir John Pope...

Italian (from Lombardia Region) Louis xvi period chest of drawers. Inlaid with different wood essences. Original back and inner parts besides...

Italian Louis XVI chest of drawers from Lombardy, 1780-1790. Three drawers. Original thick mirror-cut walnut veneer with marquetry work on top, sides and and front with stylized f...

20th century Italian superb chest of drawers, circa 1960s. In perfect high quality Louis XVI style characterized by a refined floral decoration inlaid in walnut wood. The decoration ...