18th century urn-shaped mantelpiece

The urn-shaped flap of Lombard origin, Brescia area dating from the first half of the 18th century.

The whole cabinet has walnut and walnut-root panelling, the front is composed of rounded sides, a drawer in the fascia and two drawers in the lower part, a calatoia door with an internal scarab, and curved legs finished with curl feet. For further details, see C. Alberici, "Il mobile lombardo", Milan 1966, p. 101, and A. Disertori and A. M. Necchi Disertori, "Il mobile del Settecento - Italia", Novara 1985, pp. 64-65. This piece is a typical example of mid-18th-century Brescian cabinet-making, known as a 'sarcophagus' or 'urn', with the upper part evoking ancient funerary arches. Distinctive features of Brescian craftsmanship are the refined panelling, with delicate transitions from walnut to briarwood, and elegant, understated mouldings.

Restorations

Dimensions in centimetres

Length 124

Depth 70

Height 115