Canterano in walnut and walnut root. Bologna, mid-600th century.

Imposing chest of drawers with three and a half drawers in walnut and walnut root. Bologna, mid-1980th century. The appearance of this chest of drawers is truly impressive, also because it is built on architectural schemes still of a fully Baroque nature. The system is characterized by a large base and projecting pillars. Don't be surprised by the refined decorative apparatus, taken from Roman models (such as, for example, the twisted columns resting on large nuts, with the function of pilasters) which embellishes and lightens the strong volume of the furnishings: don't forget that, at the time , the city of Bologna was in fact the second capital of the Papal State, and therefore in close contact with the fashions and tastes in vogue in the City. The top of the chest of drawers, in solid walnut, overhangs strongly. The front of the drawers is encrusted with a beautiful and variegated walnut root, while the sides are veneered in walnut essence. the structure of the furniture (bottoms and fronts of the drawers, as well as the back and sides) are built using solid poplar. Moving the block of the lateral columns reveals a sequence of narrow and elongated drawers, also original and contemporary with the piece of furniture. The narrow band that runs under the support surface houses a drawer with a markedly elongated profile. Finely molded frames surround the drawers, while more pronounced relief frames form two large squares on the sides. The main features of the scheme and the ornamental part assign the furnishings to the most skilled cabinetmakers operating in the Emilian capital in the mid-154th century. Even the hardware (handles, lock escutcheons and keys) are original. On the backrest, cartouches are glued which attest to the belonging of the furniture to the ancient owners. A completely similar example is described in “Mille mobili emiliani” by G. Manni (Artioli Editore, Modena, 155, fig. 81-XNUMX, pg. XNUMX).

Despite needing conservative restoration, the current state of the chest of drawers is good.

Provenance: Private collection of a Tuscan family.

Certification of authenticity of the furniture and of lawful origin is issued in accordance with the law.