Small Louis XV chest of drawers in walnut and poplar burl with maple inlays. Emilia, mid-700th century.

This is a small chest of drawers with two drawers and sinuous lines, of remarkable quality of execution and perfect balance in the structural elements, despite the clarity of the lines that maintains the fundamental regional characteristics unaltered. Due to its small size and construction value, it seems directly inspired by the “petits meubles” that the French master cabinetmakers created in Parma. The entire surface of the furniture is embellished with refined inlays with floral and vegetal motifs, made of maple essence, which delimit large reserves in walnut and poplar burl. Precisely because of the material used, the piece of furniture seems to be ascribed to the central Emilian area, where the use of poplar burl was particularly widespread. The design of the furniture is of Ligurian inspiration (sharp edges on curved uprights with a single movement with the supports; characteristic arching of the apron) with curves that are however less accentuated than the Genoese technique, filtered through the more severe Bolognese/Modenese perspective. the two drawers are without dividers, to ensure that the inlay design is not interrupted. Handles in gilded metal. Original box locks from the same period as the furniture. Interiors and structure made of catwood. Good state of preservation. Some scratches present in the veneer. White marble top with siliceous inclusions.

Reference bibliography: G. Manni, “A thousand pieces of furniture from Emilia”, Artioli publisher, Modena, 1980. G. Manni, “Furniture in Emilia”, Artioli publisher, Modena, 1986.

Provenance: Verona, Private Collection.

A guarantee is issued in accordance with the law regarding the authenticity and lawful origin of the furniture.