SPAINISH CABINET "VARGUENO". SALAMANCA. 17TH CENTURY.
Antiques -
Reference: Z6411
Salamanca-style writing desk with a locker, 17th century. Walnut wood and bone decorations. Wrought iron fittings. The rectangular cabinet rests on four round legs and has four drawers with a diamond-shaped decoration that close with a key and display ironwork and a horseshoe shield. The desk, with a hinged front cover, has metal hooks (to hold the board without having to lock it with a key) and numerous decorative plaques, as well as a magnificent lock decorated with two rampant lions and stars. When the lid is opened, which rests on two wooden locking catches decorated with lion heads, the drawers and small doors are revealed, decorated with square networks and architectural elements and small columns. It corresponds to the type known as “Salamanca desk”, which is the most representative of the Spanish Baroque. It was developed, above all, throughout the 17th century, and its use and manufacture lasted at least until the first quarter of the 18th century. Because, due to a lack of documentation, the workshops responsible for this furniture are unknown and it is not known whether they were only made in Salamanca or were also created in other places, experts have proposed their name as “column desks” because this decorative element is the most characteristic of the preserved examples. Another common feature of 17th century Spanish desks is the decorative and functional fittings that this piece displays. The high quality of the workmanship is noteworthy, especially the partially gilded panel with lions and stars, shells and architectural elements that have already been mentioned. In all cases, and as is usually the case in this typology, all the metal elements have been highlighted with a cloth background cut out in polygonal shapes. The locking cabinet was a common element of support in these desks, allowing for increased storage space for important documents and other valuables inside locked drawers and doors. Also known as “closed legs”, there are some examples from the first half of the 16th century, from which time onwards they were manufactured continuously. In this case, its diamond-shaped decoration is the most common in 17th-century examples and, as it matches the desk, adds value to the work.
· Size: 112x50x153 cms.
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