Description
This rare and sober sacristy cabinet presents a highly architectural design. It comprises two bodies, the upper one being recessed.
The lower register is punctuated by ten door-leaves with moulded frames flanked by six panels.
Each door-leave is centered by a mask-shaped handle from which hang two bronze dolphins.
The upper register presents the same division with fourteen door-leaves alternated with oblong panels. From the mask-shaped handles hang mermaids facing eachother.
A slighlty overlapping reeded glyph cornice tops the cabinet. The cabinet stands on a moulded base.
The Gothic style is particularly manifest with the beautiful symmetry and the rigour of the cabinet as whole. This credenza is in a very good condition and is made from a light colored close grain walnut wood showing a beautiful patina.
During this period in Italy furniture making is marked by an expression of an authentic art, a unity of beauty and delicacy of shapes, a taste for fine proportions and a continuous demand for measure and architectural sobriety. A more expressive and ornamental period in furniture would follow.
During the First Renaissance Italy reaches a refined and effortless balance ; rich, united and elegant. In the name of Civilità the society is synonym with education, culture, courtesy, unity of vision and infinite harmony. This artistic bliss is not restrained to some esthetes but also spreads to the people.
This extraordinarily artistic atmosphere can not only be seen as an appetite for beauty and antiques but is the obvious testimony of a joyful period for Tuscan and Italian creations.