SPANISH CHEST OF DRAWERS FOR SACRISTY-USE. WALNUT AND IRON. SPAIN, 17TH CENTURY
Antiques - Furniture
Reference: Z5454
Sacristy chest of drawers in walnut wood with carved decoration. Spain, 17th century. A cabinet with three very deep drawers, the lower one higher, on rectangular legs and with a straight wooden top, slightly protruding. Each of the drawers has two wrought iron handles. The sides are decorated with simple rectangular mouldings, while the drawers are carved in relief: the upper one with vines and leaves; the central one with fleshy vegetal scrolls; the lower one with three plaques, the lateral ones with a central rhombus and flowers in the corners, and the central one with a rose framed by a cord with three knots on each side linked to two keys. These carvings, in addition to the depth of the drawers, the horizontality of the composition and lines and the straight upper panel, suggest that the piece of furniture was used in a sacristy to store liturgical vestments appropriately, and also indicate that it could have been commissioned by a Franciscan institution (note the typical cord with knots) dedicated to Saint Peter (because of the two keys in the corners). Although it does not have the rear panelling that has been common since the 16th century, the front has voluminous carvings, typical of the 17th century, and decorative elements typical of the Baroque, as well as certain reminders of earlier furniture (panels in the lower area). The carving and the quality of the assembly of the boards (note the tongue and groove of the corners) show that these were important works, intended for religious environments. The side panels are reminiscent of those of the central chest of drawers in the sacristy of the Cathedral of Avila. As in the one in the sacristy of the Cathedral of Murcia, it is the fronts that have carvings in this example, which are reminiscent of others such as those on the refectory table in the collection of the Marquis of Santo Domingo (Madrid). However, those with simpler fronts are more common, although, due to direct influences, examples can be found that demonstrate the popularity of this prototype such as the chest of drawers in the sacristy of the Old Convent of San Francisco in Havana (Cuba).
· Size: 175x105x112 cms.
4.000 €
