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Italian, Northern Italy - Chest of Drawers (Cassettone), first half of 18th century

Italian, Northern Italy

Chest of Drawers (Cassettone), first half of 18th century

Painted pine , 87 x 94 x 51.3 cm (34 1/4 x 37 x 20 3/16 in.)

Commentary

Composed of four drawers, this chest of drawers is set on feet carved with volutes and flowers at the center; the rear feet are simple brackets. It is framed by flat moldings. The drawer fronts are painted with landscapes, while the sides are painted with a sailing ship, and a galleon near the coast. The wave motif in the cornice supporting the top indicates that this piece was made in Northern Italy.

A cassettone of the same size and style, painted in a nearly identical manner, belonged to Carlo Gamba Ghiselli (1870-1963) of Florence. Given the highly specialized characteristics shared by the two chest, they are likely a pair.