Large Venetian Trumeau With Burl Wood Inlay, 18th Century

Large Venetian trumeau with burl wood veneer, two-door mirrored cabinet, front featuring three drawers, gilded wooden coat of arms, 18th century, 291 x 220 x 70 cm
In all its magnificence, this “trumeau”—with its proportions, elegant forms, and concave curves—represents the pinnacle of 18th-century Venetian cabinetmaking. A superb example of the Venetian repertoire that, unfortunately, due to a lack of documentation, remains unattributed. What is certain is that, given the quality of the craftsmanship, it can be assumed to be the work of a master craftsman, commissioned by the aristocracy or the wealthy merchant class. Designed to adorn a wall as a representative piece, the piece of furniture—in addition to its imposing beauty—must also have served a functional purpose, as evidenced by the drawers and doors on the front and the small double doors, contoured at the bottom, on the sides. As is well known, this type of Venetian cabinet is often lacquered or decorated in the “arte povera” style precisely to mimic richer lacquerwork; however, there are just as many pieces, such as the one presented here, that are veneered with burl wood. In fact, it is the skillful arrangement of the burl panels—which follow the contours and inlays, often accompanied by gilded wooden friezes—that constitutes the true decorative richness.
See for comparison:
G. Morazzoni, Il mobile veneziano del ‘700, Milan, 1958, plates CCCLXXII; CCCLXXIII and plates CCCLXVIII; CCCLXIX

2023.163.10

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