FDA-A.1043-2020
Parts
Object number
FDA-A.1043-2020
Object type
Identification
Title
Certosina Chest
Title Type
assigned by cataloguer
Description
Two drawer chest of drawers; North Italian inlaid parquetry chest of drawers, which converts into a writing desk, rectangular top with inlaid image of Venus in her chariot, two serpentine long drawers, corners carved with a female bust, cabriole legs; veneered back inlaid with three panels
Comments
This type of inlay known in Italian as ‘alla certosina' is a highly prized-technique introduced from the Middle East into Spain and Italy. It was very popular during the Renaissance period and involved the inlay of small pieces of bone, ivory and wood in a geometric design
and enjoyed a revival in the 19th century. The Victoria and Albert Museum, London, have a 16th century chest in this technique.
and enjoyed a revival in the 19th century. The Victoria and Albert Museum, London, have a 16th century chest in this technique.
Description
Dimensions
height (actual size): 930mm
width (actual size): 1030mm
depth (actual size): 630mm
width (actual size): 1030mm
depth (actual size): 630mm
Material
bone
walnut
pine
poplar
walnut
pine
poplar
Physical description
North Italian bone inlaid ‘alla certosina' parquetry and walnut chest of drawers; top drawer forms a writing desk; in mid 18th-century style, with a rectangular moulded top centred by a reserve with a scene of Venus in her chariot, above two serpentine long drawers inlaid with guilloche enclosing flower heads within a diaper border, the curved corners carved with a female bust in a scalloped collar above a drapery swag, on acanthus carved cabriole legs terminating in scrolled and toupie feet, the whole inlaid with geometric motifs; top distressed
Production
Date
1860-1900
History and association
Object history note
Provenance: Possibly formerly collection of Martin J. Shortland-Jones
