Early 20th Century Venetian Pair Petite Marquetry Side Chests

Details

Description

A handsome Venetian pair of petite side chests, with reverse-serpentine design and intricate inlay marquetry, from the early 20th century. … Read more A handsome Venetian pair of petite side chests, with reverse-serpentine design and intricate inlay marquetry, from the early 20th century. These antique compact-sized chests from Italy are distinguished by their unusual concave-front cases and matching shaped tops. Beneath the top runs a decorative carved gadrooned molding, forming a continuous frieze around the front and sides. The cases house a top drawer over a bottom door (which appears as a faux-drawer in the design but opens at side to reveal storage space within). The "drawers" feature contrasting marquetry decoration. One chest is adorned with a finely inlaid scrolling foliate motif, while the companion chest displays equestrian scenes depicting mounted riders traversing a landscape. Each drawer retains decorative patinated metal drop pulls, likely brass or bronze, mounted on shaped backplates. The sides are straight and paneled, allowing the dramatic shaped front to remain the visual focus. The cases are presented upon molded bases raised by scroll-carved bracket feet. These early 20th century Venetian side chests would work beautifully as bedside tables, side chests flanking a sofa, or as accent cabinets in a living room or entryway, where their unusual sculptural forms and richly inlaid marquetry can be appreciated up close. See less