17th-century Lombard walnut chest, richly carved with a coat of arms and burl wood.

Important Lombard chest in solid walnut, Bergamo, first quarter of the 17th century. Piece of great quality and extraordinary integrity, characterized by a particularly rich decorative level executed with a sure hand by a craftsman of considerable skill. The front features two large reserves of bipartite walnut burl, arranged symmetrically and framed by three orders of carved frames with Renaissance motifs. In the center, a refined relief panel develops with phytomorphic decoration and intertwined volutes, within which is inserted the coat of arms with two confronting arms supporting a medallion, surmounted by a crown. The upper part is defined by a dentil cornice, while the lower part features the typical carved beading, concluded by elegant carved zoomorphic feet, distinctive elements of the 17th-century Bergamascan tradition. The interior retains the top-opening drawer, perfectly consistent with Lombard chests from the first half of the 17th century. The piece is intact, with a single-board top, original lock and hinges, and an adapted antique key. Based on its typology, materials, and ornamental language, the work can be attributed to Bergamascan production from the first quarter of the 17th century, with 16th-century reminiscences in the decorative repertoire. Bibliography: an extremely similar example, differing only in the coat of arms, is published in: A. Disertori – A. N. Necchi Disertori, "Il mobile lombardo", De Vecchi Editore, 1992, p. 66