Cupboard Statue Beeldenkasten Oak Ebony Architectural Virtues Amsterdam Antwerp

An exceptionally rare, late-Renaissance, Florentine, walnut, writing cabinet, scrittoio, escritoire or desk in two parts This striking, writing cabinet has a classical form, ornam...

AN EXCEPTIONAL MUSEUM QUALITY, ITALIAN, RENAISANCE WALNUT CASSETTONE WITH A FITTED BUREAU IN THE UPPER PART & EXCEPTIONAL BAMBOCCI CARVING, LOMBARDY - This exceptionally rare, museum quality, piece of early furniture was conceived and crafted as an artwork of the finest quality of its time. Throughout time it has been a luxurious, statement piece which has protected it, and fortunately it has survived in virtually, original condition. - This magnificent cassettone exudes the character and quality of the finest, late-Renaissance furniture. Northern Italian Renaissance furniture often had the sides, legs or angles, 'a Bambocci', incorporating carved figures which were considered unique sculptures in their own right. - The putti on this cassettone are beautifully carved and of sculptural quality. Each angel has one arm raised to heaven, a poignant touch. - The lion’s paw feet are a classical feature and make a great statement. - This cassettone was conceived to have visual impact through the quality of the carving, as well as being very practical with the writing compartment fitted in the top part. - It has survived in very original condition with a few small repairs and losses, and the colour and patina are warm and lustrous. - This cassettone is illustrated Illustrated in C. Alberici, Il Mobile Lombardo, Milan, 1969, p. 45, one of the seminal works on Lombardy furniture, and has been in two renowned collections. The hinged top in two sections faced with a solid moulded edge. The front part has a fall front and opens to reveal a writing compartment. The fall front retains its original lock and is concealed with a false drawer which is above three drawers. All with moulded panels, escutcheons and retaining the original iron handles. The front ends have exceptional, bambocci, carved putti raising their arms to heaven above trailing foliage. Standing on magnificent lion's-head carved feet. The sides are panelled. Exceptional original colour and patina. Literature : Illustrated in C. Alberici, Il Mobile Lombardo, Milan, 1969, p. 45. A Gonzalez-Palacois, Il mobile in Liguria, Genova, 1996 illustrates related pieces Measures: Length 147 ½ cm. 58 in, height 104 cm. 41 in, depth 75 cm. 29½ in, Provenance: Coll. Private Azzate The Collection of Sandro and Lidia Orsi, Ca’ Mera, Varese. Regarded as one of the most beautiful homes in Lombardy, Ca’ Mera, the country house of Sandro and Lidia Orsi was filled with beautiful objects from many different epochs. A renowned antiquarian from Milan, over his lifetime Sandro and his wife Lidia revived the Renaissance and Baroque character of the house and instilled their own unique vision into the interiors, which culminated with the creation of a Kunst – or Wunderkammer. “I have never seen such an example of poetical taste”, Sir John Pope...

A monumental Dutch 19th century ‘Meubles à Coussins’ ebony and walnut Kussenkast. This most impressive cabinet is raised by bun feet below the dentil shaped frieze. At the bottom of cabinet is a wide drawer with original iron pulls. The raised double paneled doors are framed within rippled ebony borders and flanked by ebony columns raised on walnut blocks. All below stunning top capitols of cherubs and floral garlands. The central front column slides to the side to reveal the hidden keyhole. The impressive top has an extended crown of rippled ebony moldings decorated by carved lions finished in walnut. Dutch cabinets of this nature are excellent examples of craftsmanship from the second quarter of the 17th century. Commissioned by wealthy families to celebrate a marriage or to have imposing pieces of furniture. Often the most expensive piece of furniture in the house next to paintings by Rembradt and Vermeer Hals Terborch Ruysdael de Hooch. These Kussenkast cabinets are similar to German Wellenschrank, Fassadenschrank, Schappschrank, and Eichenschrank, and also Italian Armadio...

This is a unique and monumental Dutch Baroque cupboard called “Kussenkast" from the late 17th century, probably circa 1670-1680. Made of rosewoo...