Exceptional Early 19th Century Italian Chest on Stand, a Walnut Marquetry Vargueno on Puente Stand. The ebonized and banded case is inlaid with various woods, fauna, the drawers with ripple moldings, and the stand with Barley Twist Supports, with stretcher and terminated on bold mushroom feet. H:53" W:38" D:15" The Drawer fronts are detailed with various animal and floral motifs, an interesting contrast with the ebonized wood for this exceptional Chest on Stand. Marquetry is the craft of covering a structural carcass with veneer forming decorative patterns, designs or pictures. The result may be furniture, decorated small objects or free-standing pictures. Marquetry differs from the more ancient craft of inlay, in which a solid body of one material is cut out to receive sections of another. The technique of veneered marquetry had its inspiration in 16th century Florence (and at Naples). Marquetry elaborated upon Florentine techniques of inlaying solid marble slabs with designs formed of fitted marbles, jaspers and semi-precious stones. This work, called opere di commessi, is known in English as pietra dura. Techniques of wood marquetry were developed in Antwerp and other Flemish centers of luxury cabinet-making during the early 17th century. The craft was imported full-blown to France, to create furniture of unprecedented luxury being made at the manufactory of the Gobelins, to decorate Versailles and the other royal residences of Louis XIV. Marquetry was not a mainstream fashion in 18th Century Italy, but the neoclassical marquetry of Giuseppe Maggiolini, made in Milan at the end of the century is notable. This particular piece in finely detailed marquetry on the Chest and supported by a bold stand is elegant for any room. Located in the heart of Summerland, California, Lifestyle Antiques & Interiors offers the finest high-end Antiques, Decorative Arts, and Home Furnishings on the South Coast. We feature a rich collection from Europe, specializing in Italian Furniture, French and Spanish. The elegant collection varies from antique and Murano lamps, decorative pillows, Chandeliers, Mirrors and a fine selection of home furnishings. Just 3 minutes south of Santa Barbara. For your convenience you may shop on line: www.lifestyleantiques.com .

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