Painted Chest - Tyrol 1791
Tuscan pine chest from 1791, painted with a faux marble background and floral decorations.
Technical Information:
Period: 1791
Origin: Tyrol
Wood: Pine
Height: 76 cm
Width: 137 cm
Depth: 62 cm
Description:
Tyrolese chest in pine wood, dated 1791, an expression of Alpine furniture from the late 18th and early 19th centuries. The structure is rectangular, with a shaped base and a front articulated into three painted panels; the lid is hinged and has a slightly projecting linear profile.
The pictorial decoration is executed in casein, a technique widely used in Alpine furniture for its durability and opacity.
The structural background of the furniture and the painted frames are a muted, cool, matte green, akin to a sage green tinged with gray, achieved through mineral-based pigment bound with casein. The hue has a slightly bluish component, now further softened by natural aging and wear, contributing to a sober and uniform chromatic effect.
The front panels feature a cream-ivory background treated with a faux marble motif, created through irregular glazes and subtle color modulations that simulate a marble surface, lending visual depth while maintaining a sober and functional appearance.
A stylized floral motif develops on each panel, arranged vertically, enclosed within freehand-drawn frames. These frames, in green, have sinuous lines and simplified volutes that frame the central decoration, creating a balance between ornamental structure and painted surface.
The central panel retains the original wrought iron latch for closure, a functional element integrated into the decorative design. The key and lock are also original and functional.
The chest rests on a lowered and shaped lower band, carved from the same pine wood as the structure. The lower part has a continuous sinuous profile, with smooth curved carvings and symmetrical recesses, which visually lighten the base while maintaining a structural function.
The band is treated with the same grayed sage green casein paint, in chromatic continuity with the sides and the painted frames of the panels, and is further enriched with stylized floral motifs and the date placed in the center.
The surfaces show a uniform patina, with abrasions, thinning of the paint film, and signs of use consistent with age. The chest was intended for storing linen and textiles, serving a functional and symbolic role within the home.
Work carried out on all our furniture:
– Structural restoration: repair of small missing parts, closure of any cracks on the back, consolidation of deteriorated areas, inspection and repair of hardware.
– Thorough woodworm treatment.
– Cleaning and sanitization of the interiors.
– Exterior finish with natural beeswax.
– Interior finish with shellac, a natural alcohol-based varnish.
Customization:
Upon request, we can arrange:
- the desired degree of restoration;
- customization of the interiors (addition of hanging rails, shelves, dividers, etc.).
