Italian, Veneto
Two Nightstands (Comodini), late 18th century
Painted and gilded pine , 78.2 x 61.3 x 41.2 cm (30 13/16 x 24 1/8 x 16 1/4 in.)
General admission for children 17 years and under is always free
Titian Room
Commentary
Painted a creamy white, these two nightstands have a restrained elegance typical of Neoclassical taste in Vencie and the Veneto. The fronts bow out slightly while the sides taper towards the front in a subtle s-curve. The fluted legs taper down to brackets, carved with leaves, that rest on ball feet. The posts and rails are also carved with leaves. At the center of the bottom rail is a male head in profile, framed by delicate scolls. The drawer fronts and the side panels have richly articulated leaf moldings. The cabinets are painted in creamy white, with some of the molding and carving highlighted with gilding.
One chest has three drawers. The front of the other is a door with a false front. Its top swings back to reveal a blue-painted interior with spaces for a chamer pot and washcloths. The two commodes were entirely repainted and re-gilded in the nineteenth century. The iron locks are original, but the handles and escutcheons appear to be replacements. F26n3.1 is missing a handle, while F26n3.2 has a replacement handle at lower right.
One chest has three drawers. The front of the other is a door with a false front. Its top swings back to reveal a blue-painted interior with spaces for a chamer pot and washcloths. The two commodes were entirely repainted and re-gilded in the nineteenth century. The iron locks are original, but the handles and escutcheons appear to be replacements. F26n3.1 is missing a handle, while F26n3.2 has a replacement handle at lower right.