Chest Of Drawers In Walnut And Walnut Burl With Shaped Corner Elements, Tuscany, Late 17th Cent

Chest of Drawers in Walnut and Walnut Burl with Shaped Corner Elements, Tuscany, Late 17th – Early 18th Century

Tuscany, late 17th – early 18th century (Grand Duchy of Tuscany)

Chest of drawers veneered in walnut and walnut burl, distinguished by its elegantly shaped corner elements. It belongs to a transitional phase of Italian Baroque furniture, in which the solid, architectural forms of the 17th century gradually evolved into the lighter and more refined chests of drawers of the 18th century.

The front is fitted with four drawers: a shallow drawer concealed within the upper frieze above three full-depth drawers. The drawer fronts and sides are decorated with raised burl panels framed by broad walnut borders. The top is veneered in walnut burl and enclosed within a wide walnut frame. The entire piece is covered with a thick walnut and walnut burl veneer.

Its generous storage capacity and relatively shallow depth, unusual for a piece of this period, make it highly practical and well suited to both traditional and contemporary interiors.

Three of the four drawers retain their original locks; their functioning has not been tested. The chest retains a beautiful old patina and is fully usable in its present condition. Light conservation work, including refreshing the finish on the top, servicing the locks and carrying out a few minor cabinetmaking repairs, would further enhance its appearance while preserving its historic character.

Overall good condition, with age-related wear consistent with its period.

Dimensions: width 139 cm (54.7 in); depth 64 cm (25.2 in); height 94 cm (37 in).