Painted Chest – Tyrol, 1791

A Tyrolean chest from 1791 made of fir, painted with a faux marble background and floral decorations.

Date: 1791
Origin: Tyrol
Wood: Fir
Height: 76 cm
Width: 137 cm
Depth: 62 cm

Tyrolean chest made of fir wood, dated 1791, representative of Alpine furniture from the late 18th to the early 19th century. The structure is rectangular in shape, with a contoured base and a front divided into three painted panels; the lid is hinged and features a slightly projecting linear profile.
The painted decoration is executed in casein, a technique widely used in Alpine furniture due to its durability and opacity.
The structural base of the piece and the painted frames are a matte, cool, muted green, resembling a sage green with a grayish cast, achieved through mineral-based pigmentation bound with casein. The shade has a slightly bluish undertone, now further softened by natural aging and wear, which contributes to a sober and uniform chromatic effect.
The front panels feature a cream-ivory background treated with a faux marble motif, created through irregular glazing and subtle color variations that simulate a marbled surface, imparting visual depth while maintaining a sober and functional appearance.
A stylized floral motif, arranged vertically, unfolds across each panel, enclosed within freehand-drawn frames. These green-colored frames feature mixed-line patterns and simplified scrolls, which frame the central decoration, creating a balance between the ornamental structure and the painted surface.
The central panel retains the original wrought-iron lock plate, a functional element integrated into the decorative design. The key and lock are also original and in working order.
The chest rests on a lowered, contoured lower band, carved from the same fir wood as the structure. The lower section features a continuous mixed-line profile, with gently curved carvings and symmetrical indentations, which visually lighten the base while maintaining a structural function.
The band is treated with the same grayish sage green casein paint, creating a chromatic continuity with the sides and the painted frames of the panels, and is further embellished with stylized floral motifs and the date placed in the center.
The surfaces display a uniform patina, with abrasions, thinning of the paint film, and signs of wear consistent with its age. The chest was intended for storing linens and fabrics, serving a functional and symbolic role within the home.

Work performed on all our furniture:

– Structural restoration: replacement of small missing parts, filling of any cracks on the back panel, consolidation of deteriorated areas, inspection and repair of hardware.
– Thorough woodworm treatment.
– Cleaning and sanitization of the interior.
– Exterior finish with natural beeswax.
– Interior finish with shellac, a natural alcohol-based varnish.

Customizations:

Upon request, the following can be arranged:

– the desired level of restoration;
– customization of the interior (addition of coat hooks, shelves, dividers, etc.).