SPANISH DESK (BARGUEÑO). WOOD, METAL. 17TH CENTURY.

Bargueño or writing desk with a bridge base. Wood, metal. Spanish school, 17th century. It needs some restoration. A covered writing desk or wastepaper basket, placed on a support of the type known as a "bridge foot" due to its shape, made of carved wood and decorated with reliefs of architectural and vegetal elements of classical influence, vases, spherical finials, and twisted columns (two larger ones on either side of the bridge and two more flanking each of them, these combining fluted columns at the top with twisted elements at the bottom). On the exterior, the wastepaper basket is decorated with cut-out metal appliqués (with simplified geometric and vegetal elements) placed on fabric, with handles, shell-shaped nails, knobs, etc., and a lock in the center with architectural elements clearly reminiscent of the Baroque style. Opening the front reveals the display, with three levels and several streets (which do not correspond between these heights), with drawers with shell-shaped knobs and simple panels, and others with columns and metal knobs of the same shape, and chapels with architectural motifs on the front, combining gilded elements with polychrome motifs. These pieces of furniture are among the most common and highly regarded types from the 17th-century Castilian school, and their influence remained strong well into the 20th century. Exterior decorations and the arrangement of drawers and interior niches varied. The distinctive character of the Spanish style was so strong in the 17th century that it prevented the penetration of foreign influences, especially from France, due to the unfavorable diplomatic situation at the time. This resulted in a significant influence on the rest of Europe, where French models largely prevailed. The 17th century was a period of decline in Spain, and this was particularly evident in furniture. Pieces were not as luxurious as those in other countries, a fact also determined by the edicts against luxury issued by the monarchs. However, Spanish furniture of the Baroque period exhibits considerable quality, a strong personality, and, above all, great interest in terms of typology and the pursuit of functionality over decoration. It is also worth noting the increased appreciation of furniture compared to the previous century. Taking into account the inventories of goods, important changes can be seen, with furniture becoming, in the time of Charles II, even more expensive than tapestries.

· Size: 97x46x145 cms.