Large Rounded Lacquered Sideboard, Venice, Italy, 18th Century

Details

Description

This is a large sideboard dating to the late Baroque or Rococo/early Neoclassical period, dating back to the mid- to … Read more This is a large sideboard dating to the late Baroque or Rococo/early Neoclassical period, dating back to the mid- to late-eighteenth century (c. 1730-1780). Typical of Northern Italy, it may have originated in areas such as Veneto and Friuli, where the tradition of painted furniture was widespread.

Structure and Shape

Shape and Body: The sideboard features a large central body and two chamfered or angled side sections, giving the piece a trapezoidal or double-cornered/chamfered shape, typically used to lighten the bulk of the piece in prestigious settings.

Doors: The front is punctuated by four doors (two central and two lateral) enclosing a single internal compartment.

Upper Tier: The top, with a beak-shaped profile, is linear, but the edges follow the chamfered shape of the underlying body, with a slight contour or groove.

Base and Feet: The sideboard rests on a contoured, protruding base, interrupted by carved and stylized bracket or scroll-shaped feet, which echo the decorative elements and elegantly elevate the piece from the floor.

Technique and Decoration (Lacquering and Painting)

The piece features rich Venetian lacquer decoration, painted directly onto the wood, rather than carved or inlaid, to emulate the finest lacquered furniture.

Panels and Frames: The entire surface is divided into framed panels. The side panels and the areas between the frames feature a marble-like decoration, with reddish-brown veining.

Central Reserves:

The side panels feature central reserves painted with faux marble motifs on a dark background (green/petrol blue), set within a brick-colored lacquer frame and a dark (midnight blue) perimeter border.

The two central doors are joined by a large rectangular scroll or cartouche with shaped corners and ivory-colored rocaille edges. The central panel is dominated by a stylized scroll and rocaille motif surrounding the keyhole, set against a variegated, iridescent green background.

Corners and Connecting Elements: The joints and corners, especially those between the doors, are decorated with scroll or cartouche-shaped scrolls, painted with a sunburst or zigzag motif in shades of brown and white/ivory, which serve to visually connect the different decorative sections.

Finish: The paint and lacquer are craquelure-like (fine cracks in the painted surface) and patinated, giving the piece an authentic, antique, worn appearance.

Condition

The condition is good for a period piece, but shows signs of age and use.

Surface: The painting is clearly cracked and has abrasions and small paint losses, especially on the top and base.

Structure: The structure appears solid and complete.

Dimensions: 216 x 56 cm, height 117 cm. See less