Coin Cabinet

Coin cabinet or travel desk. Its origin dates back to the 16th century. Widely used furniture, as the royal courts were nomadic and the desk solved many problems. The first influence comes from Italy. From the 16th century, Spanish desks abandoned the decoration of Renaissance figurative carving and that of marquetry. It tends towards a transformation influenced by the architecture of the Escurial. The demand for this type of parts increases, to contain documents and simpler types are implemented. An example of these is the one that Juan Hernández made in 1609 for Alonso Sánchez, Philip II's usher. This admirable "bargueño" from Salamanca in sea turtle, rosewood, fruit woods and gilt metal plating with a central door where it hides some drawers. The name comes from the first reference in the inventory of Francisco Herrero Campuzano with the denomination "of Salamanca".