Lot 04

BARGUEÑO CABINET

The name of this unique Spanish type of furniture, bargueño, refers to a form of portable desk and cabinet that consists of two parts, the lower of which serves as a base and a pull-out console to the upper cabinet with a hinged top that also serves as a writing surface. The inside of the cabinet is equipped with small drawers for storing papers and supplies, often used as a jewelry box. The richly decorated interior with a total of fifteen drawers is symmetrically designed with a central portal with Mannerist architectural features called a capilla (chapel), behind which there are three drawers. Not only the choice of material, but also the degree of ornamentation, which can be seen in the plethora of combined colours with gilding, in the painted floral themes and the shell-shaped handles, indicates the opulence. Compared to the interior, the exterior is slightly more restrained. On the dark walnut wood cabinet body, gilded ornaments set on red fabric with a central lock with gothic morphology stand out. On the sides there are gilded metal handles designed to move the top. The bargueño cabinet first appeared in the 16th century, but gained popularity mainly in the 17th century, from when it was part of the furnishings of aristocratic mansions until the early 18th century. The good relationship of the Spanish Crown with the German Empire facilitated the export of furniture from the Kingdom of Spain. The cabinet type was thus imitated by German craftsmen, especially in Augsburg, who altered its form with the choice of other materials and shapes, especially the use of tortoiseshell. Very good state of preservation, abrasions on the gilding of the metal elements, the base and the fabric on the top plate dating from the 19th century.