A stunning, monumental baroque antique (1700s or earlier) Italian walnut chest of drawers from the Lombardy region of Italy, typical of the Bergamo cabinet-making tradition. Decorative carved pilasters ornament each side of the dresser in acanthus leaf and cherub forms. The casework is solid walnut while the drawer interiors are pine. The old waxed patina on the wood just glows and emphasizes the walnut grain which is straight on the casework with burl walnut panels on the drawer fronts. Inlay, perhaps made of boxwood, surrounds the burr walnut drawer panels. It is difficult to find a piece from this region and timeframe available for purchase in the U.S. This stately dresser would add a decorative element to almost any room of a house, as well as offer ample storage.
Original aged bronze knobs allow you to easily open the large drawers for an immense amount of storage. Hand forged nails evident on the back, a testament to the age of this piece. Old ink and burn marks on the top, see photos. The third drawer horizontal support is swayed with warping and age but the drawer still functions fine. Additional photos available upon request. Measures 44.5"H x 57.5"L x 23.5"D Condition commensurate with age and use. Old wax finish that glows. Random scratches in the wood throughout, particularly on the top. Old, inactive wormholes on the sides. Additional detail photos available upon request.
