SPANISH CHEST OF DRAWERS FOR SACRISTY-USE. WALNUT AND IRON. SPAIN, 17TH CENTURY
Antiques - Furniture
Reference: Z5454
Walnut wood sacristy chest of drawers with carved decoration. Spain, 17th century. A cabinet with three very deep drawers, the bottom one being taller, mounted on rectangular legs and with a straight, slightly protruding wooden top. Each drawer has two wrought iron handles. The sides are decorated with simple rectangular panels of molding, while the drawers are carved in relief: the upper one with tendrils, vines, and leaves; the central one with fleshy vegetal scrolls; the lower one with three plaques, the side 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 attached to two keys. It is these carvings, along with the depth of the drawers, the horizontality of the composition and lines, and the straight top, that suggest the use of the piece in a sacristy for the proper storage of liturgical vestments and, furthermore, indicate that it may have been commissioned by a Franciscan institution (note the typical cord with knots) dedicated to Saint Peter (as indicated by the two keys in the corners). Although it lacks the typical 16th-century back paneling, it does feature a front with three-dimensional carvings, typical of the 17th century, and decorative elements characteristic of the Baroque period, as well as certain remnants of earlier furniture (panels in the lower section). The carving and the quality of the panel assembly (note the tongue-and-groove joints at the corners) indicate that these were important works, intended for religious settings. The panels on the sides are reminiscent of those on the central chest of drawers in the anteroom of the sacristy of Ávila Cathedral. As in the one in the sacristy of Murcia Cathedral, it is the fronts that feature 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, 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 former Convent of San Francisco in Havana (Cuba).
· Size: 175x105x112 cms.
4.000 €
