Painted Tyrolean Wardrobe

Technical information:
Period: 1789
Origin: Tyrol
Wood type: Spruce
Height: 185 cm | 72.83 in
Width: 162 cm (178 cm with frame) | 63.78 in (70.08 in with frame)
Depth: 61 cm (67 cm with frame) | 24.02 in (26.38 in with frame)

Description:
Original late 18th-century Tyrolean wardrobe, dated 1789, made of softwood and characterized by a rich polychrome painted decoration.

The structure features two hinged doors with chamfered sides, a typical solution of the Alpine area designed to visually lighten the mass and improve its integration into domestic interiors. The upper cornice is shaped and projecting, with painted molded frames, while the base is finished with a continuous molded plinth.

The front doors are articulated with framed panels decorated with painted borders in pink and green tones. The upper panels display monograms and apotropaic symbols, accompanied by initials and the painted date “1789” on the upper frieze. The lower panels feature stylized floral motifs, executed with a free and decorative brushstroke.

The sides are also painted, with vertical cartouches and vegetal and dotted ornamental motifs, reflecting a fully conceived decorative approach intended to make the wardrobe visible and decorative even from the sides, as was often the case in Tyrolean stube interiors. The dominant chromatic tone is a muted green-grey, obtained from natural pigments, now harmoniously patinated by time, with areas where the preparatory layers and underlying brushwork gently emerge.

The hardware is original: wrought-iron hinges, handles, and escutcheons. The date is present on the left escutcheon. Inside, the wardrobe retains a functional mixed interior layout, with shelves on the left side and a hanging compartment on the other, as well as small upper drawers set into the thickness of the structure—both practical and distinctive elements of historic Alpine furniture.

Restoration information:
The photographs shown depict the piece in an unrestored or only partially restored condition.
At the time of sale, the restoration will be completed according to the client’s tastes and wishes: the exterior will be waxed and any scratches or marks will be removed, while the interior will be cleaned and finished with shellac. Our workshop guarantees a conservative restoration, aimed at respecting the integrity and authenticity of each piece. All items are treated to ensure solidity, durability, and hygiene. Once the work is completed, the wardrobe will be ready for use, suitable for storing clothing, tableware, or food.

Planned interventions:

– Structural restoration: replacement of small missing parts, closing of any gaps in the back panel, consolidation of weakened areas, inspection and repair of the hardware.
– Thorough anti-woodworm treatment.
– Cleaning and sanitizing of the interior.
– Exterior finish with natural beeswax.
– Interior finish with shellac, a natural alcohol-based varnish.

Customizations:

Upon request, it is possible to agree on:

– the desired level of restoration;
– customization of the interior (addition of hanging rails, shelves, partitions, etc.).