Antique Walnut Chest, 1640s

Details

Description

A magnificent 17th-century Renaissance cassapanca, crafted from solid walnut. This exceptional piece of furniture combines a chest, a bench, and … Read more A magnificent 17th-century Renaissance cassapanca, crafted from solid walnut. This exceptional piece of furniture combines a chest, a bench, and a stately, ornate piece of furniture in one – typical of grand living quarters and reception halls of the late Renaissance.

A magnificent 17th-century Renaissance cassapanca, crafted from solid walnut. This exceptional piece of furniture combines a chest, a bench, and a representative, ceremonial piece in one – typical of the grand living rooms and reception halls of the late Renaissance.

\. Features and Design

Genuine 17th century, original Renaissance carving
Solid walnut, warm, dark-patinated wood with a pronounced historical surface
Extensively hand-carved:
Central coat of arms with acanthus and volute ornaments
Shell rosettes on the sides
Fully sculpted herm figures (male half-figures) as vertical supports
Elaborately crafted lion's paw feet
Classic cassapanca construction: backrest with a high panel, seat with a hinged lid to reveal a large storage compartment
Condition

Authentic signs of age, as expected for a piece of furniture of this age
Minor signs of wear, charming patina, some wormholes (inactive), stable construction
Overall, a very decorative, ready-to-use piece
Dimensions

Height: 100.5 cm
Width: 164.5 cm
Depth: 51 cm
Seat height: 61 cm cm
Special Features

This cassapanca is an outstanding example of Italian Renaissance furniture craftsmanship. The magnificent herm figures, the elegant acanthus decoration, and the heavily carved legs point to a high-quality workshop, likely in northern Italy.

An extremely prestigious collector's item – ideal for period interiors, foyers, or as a museum piece.

Date of Origin

Stylistic features such as the herm figures, acanthus decoration, shell rosettes, the solid, multi-tiered construction, and the dark walnut clearly indicate northern Italy (Lombardy or Veneto).

The form is unmistakably the classic cassapanca – a Renaissance showpiece that was common from the late 16th to the early 17th century.

The carving technique, proportions, and surface finish suggest a date of approximately 1620–1680.

This is an authentic piece, not a 19th-century reproduction. The signs of age, wormholes, substantial old patina and craftsmanship irregularities suggest an original Renaissance manufacture from the 17th century. See less