Antique Italian Hand-Painted Commode, 19th Century — Polychrome Scrolling Foliate Decoration

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Antique Italian Hand-Painted Commode, 19th Century — Polychrome Scrolling Foliate Decoration, Four-Drawer Bureau on Tapered Legs
A charming antique Italian … Read more Antique Italian Hand-Painted Commode, 19th Century — Polychrome Scrolling Foliate Decoration, Four-Drawer Bureau on Tapered Legs
A charming antique Italian commode, its cream-painted ground hand-decorated overall with delicate polychrome scrollwork in soft tones of coral, ochre, lavender, and sage. Rendered in a distinctly Italian folk-Baroque hand, the painted ornament unfolds across the case in flowing acanthus scrolls, sprays of foliage, and stylized floral motifs, all outlined in a deep indigo-blue that defines each drawer front and edge with graphic clarity.
The case is fitted with four drawers configured in the traditional manner — two shorter drawers above two full-width drawers below — each retaining its original hand-forged brass pulls and pierced escutcheons surrounding the keyholes. The top presents a warm faux marble-grained finish in golden ochre tones, edged in a narrow painted border that complements the case below. The commode stands on gently tapered, block-topped legs to the front, lending a light, Neoclassical-inflected footing to an otherwise robustly decorated form.
The painted surface throughout shows the wonderful patina and honest wear one hopes for in a piece of this age — soft craquelure, gentle rubbing to high points, and the mellow softening of pigment that only comes with genuine age, all contributing to its considerable decorative charm. A wonderfully characterful piece, equally suited as a bedroom chest, entry commode, or occasional storage piece in a room built around Italian country, Tuscan villa, or eclectic European antique style.
Style: Italian Provincial / Folk Baroque
Origin: Italy
Period: 19th Century
Materials: Painted wood, original brass hardware
Condition: Good antique condition; original paint decoration with attractive age-related patina, craquelure, and wear. Functional drawers. See less