Italian, Central Italy
Commode (Comò), mid 18th century
Painted poplar, 83.7 x 112.6 x 50.7 cm (32 15/16 x 44 5/16 x 19 15/16 in.)
This commode is a rectangular, wooden, two-drawer chest on legs. It has a bowed front, shaped aprons, and curved legs. The background color is green. The impressive decoration on the piece is an imitation of Chinese lacquer. On the front are horsemen and trees surrounding a lake with small boats. Similar scenes are painted on the sides. The painted surfaces have been heavily worn, and most of the upper drawer has been repainted. The decorations on the sides have been better preserved. There are no handles or knobs, but the original iron locks are evident.
Titian Room
Commentary
This two drawer-cassetone has a bowed front, shaped aprons, and curved legs: a simple rendition of a Rococo form. The decoration of the piece in imitation of Chinese lacquer is more impressive. On the front are horsemen and trees surrounding a lake with small boats. Similar scenes are painted on the sides. The painted surfaces have been heavily worn, and most of the upper drawer has been repainted, making it difficult to judge the original decoration of the piece, except on the sides, which are better preserved.
The iron locks are original, but the back panel was replaced in the nineteenth century.