Italian, Venice
Commode (Comò or cassettone), mid 18th century
Painted and varnished pine, 75.7 x 126.8 x 57.5 cm (29 13/16 x 49 15/16 x 22 5/8 in.)
This Venetian commode (low chest) is pine painted a muted yellow and decorated with soft green scrolling vines and leaves that cover the sides and front. The back of the commode is straight, while the front is curved outward. The sides of the chest chest are carved to curve outward and turn gracefully inward at the bottom. The four feet repeat the curving design. The black metal handles on the front two drawers also curve, but their tops are in the shape of a floret. The top of the commode is painted black.
Macknight Room
Commentary
Isabella Stewart Gardner kept meticulous records of many of her acquisitions. In keeping with this legacy, object information is continually being reviewed, updated, and enriched in order to give greater access to the collection.