AN ITALIAN CYPRESS OR CEDAR CASONNE

AN ITALIAN CYPRESS OR CEDAR CASONNE

NORTHERN ITALY, PROBABLY ALTO ADIGE, C.1550-1600

worked in poker and penwork, the underside of the planked lid depicting a gentleman in his study within an architectural arch, between two scenes depicting a sleeping woman and satyr, within applied moulded frames, headed by cherubs and birds below, flanked by a male and female figure, all within a scrolling foliate border, the candle tray with conforming decoration, the front and sides similarly carved and with traces of former penwork, with side carry handles

57.7cm high, 152cm wide, 59.5cm deep

Catalogue Note

Extant 16th century domestic inventories record similar imported chests to have been an essential requirement of many 16th / 17th century English homes. Cedar and cypress timbers were highly valued as a natural preventative against insect infestation, making this type of chest ideal for the storage of prized hangings, clothing and bed linen. They were exported in large numbers (throughout Europe) from Northern Italy, particularly Venice, Alto Adige and Umbria.