Dating to the 1700s, this beautiful Venetian chest, which is covered in crimson velvet, has brass embellishments in the style of the Renaissance. The beautiful color of the velvet and the historic connotations allow the chest to be a focal point of any room, making it a topic of conversation for guests of all ages.
“All the tastes of the period (Late Renaissance) tended toward splendour and the gorgeous damasks and brocades, particularly those from the looms of Venice and Genoa, helped to make the furnishing sumptuous to the highest degree.” – The Practical Book of Italian, Spanish, and Portuguese Furniture. Harold Donaldson Eberlein. Roger Wearne Ramsdell. Philadelphia & London. J.B. Lippincott Company. 1927
Most of the edges are protected by a linear molding of bead and reel that enhance the shape, most noticeably the domed top and the small, yet thick rectangular feet that keep the stored contents off the floor. Numerous pyramidical projections grace all sides of the trunk (even on the back), meticulously positioned around several curvaceous brass fittings which include leafy margents and pierced floral displays. In the center of the frontage is a coat of arms consisting of an oval shield with two fasces beneath a five-point open crown. The heraldic exhibition is surrounded by several flags and banners on spiked standards over two drums. It is quite possible that the chest was commissioned by someone of high esteem, as the elements hint at a military commander, possibly a marquis. Based on research of the coat of arms, it appears as if the trunk once belonged to a member of one of the 10 influential families in Venice. Constructed from chestnut wood, the chest is quite hardy, able to withstand the rigors of being transported, made possible by a thick, twisted wrought iron handle on each end, emanating from a radial foliate mount. The lid has two fleur de lys hasps, also of wrought iron, that help keep the contents safe. Our large Venetian chest would make a wonderful addition to a hallway, living room, or bedroom.
CONDITION: Good antique condition. Commensurate wear, presenting as thin sections of velvet and minor losses to brass motifs. Slight losses to the velvet on the verso side, including a small tear and some gathering of the fabric.
