Northern Italy, Second half of the 17th century
Coin cabinet with village scenes
Various wood essences, cm H 52 x W 89 x D 40
Piedmontese craftsmanship with references to the cabinetmaking of Augsburg, Germany.
Various inlaid woods; walnut, boxwood, maple, ebony
"Village" inlay (architectural and landscape views)
Elegant inlaid wooden coin cabinet, a rare quality piece that testifies to the spread of German taste from Augsburg in the Piedmont region between the 17th and early 18th centuries.
The structure, typically Italian with small drawers arranged around a central door, rests on turned feet with spherical fluting; the molded walnut frames enclose refined polychrome inlays. The inlaid scenes depict ideal architectures and urban views, the so-called "village scenes," populated by small buildings, bridges, aquatic animals, such as the swans on the central door, and plant elements, rendered with superb mastery through the contrast between light and dark woods and different colorations. Gilt bronze side handles.
The decorative style clearly refers to the cabinetmaking tradition of Augsburg, which was widespread and appreciated throughout Central Europe. However, the construction of the furniture, the dynamic layout, and the decorative taste suggest a reinterpretation in a Piedmontese style, probably in the Turin area, where German and Flemish artisans worked in the Savoy ducal workshops.
The village scene coin cabinet represents an important testimony to Baroque collecting, created to house coins, cameos, and precious objects. These are study and wonder cabinets, where technical virtuosity in inlay combines with the encyclopedic and symbolic taste of the time.
Condition:
Good. Slight signs of wear and patina consistent with age. Small losses in the inlay.
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