Lot 186
An Italian Paint-Decorated Reliquary/Valuables Cabinet, late 18th c., arched cornice over paneled doors opening to an elaborately carved interior; the lower case with doors enclosing a configuration of drawers, on bracket feet, height 85 1/8 in., width 39 1/2 in., depth 20 3/4 in.
PLEASE NOTE: This cabinet form was used in Northern Italian ante-camera and apartment state rooms in the 17th and 18th centuries. Mostly used for storing valuables, the upper case has a devotional function; the lower case with lacca drawer interiors formulated by Italian artisans after Asian antecedents. The Secretaire form and painted decoration on this cabinet, typical of Venetian, Genoese and Turino depentore shows the influence of the French court of Louis XVI, but exhibits a spontaneous exuberance seen only in Italy. A c. 1750 Genoese corner cabinet with comparable decoration, fittings and form to those seen here is illustrated in Canonero. Barocchetto Genovese. (Milan: 1962), pl. 74. Reference: Dampierre. The Best of Painted Furniture. pp. 50-66.
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