ITALIE DU NORD, ENTRE MILAN ET BOLOGNE, XVe S... Lot n° 2

ITALIAN Bridal chest, PAINTED AND ARMORIZED Walnut wood H. 55 cm, W. 156.5 cm, D. 57 cm Restorations of use Testimony to the union of two families, the wedding chest contains the objects of the trousseau: linens, books, crockery, gold and silver. They are entrusted to renowned artists whose work is difficult to trace. Decorated on all sides, this bridal chest offers to the eye in a tripartite composition, three painted panels separated by finely sculpted pilasters. While the side panels show the profile portraits of the young engaged couple facing each other, the central panel is dedicated to the family coat of arms. Each of the painted panels is flanked at the top and bottom by a double frieze inlaid with certosina, i.e. inlaid with light and dark wood fillets on walnut. The pilasters surmounted by Corinthian and Ionic capitals are also treated with certosina marquetry. The upper flap is encircled by a large and beautiful moulding with a frieze of scales, and surmounted by a top decorated with a frieze of palmettes around its perimeter. A frieze of eggs on the body of the chest is a counterpart to the palmettes. The two sides of this cassette are also embellished with two other portraits presenting another profile of the young couple. The faces painted in profile stand out against a green background, set in medallions from which delicate, thin foliated foliage blossoms. The quality of execution, composition and polychromy are clearly reminiscent of 15th century Italian primitives. The serenity reflected in the feminine portrait is matched by the strength of the masculine one. The girl's headdress, her blond Venetian hair tied at the tail and set with a wide band, as well as the physiognomy of the face: a well-drawn nose, delicate features and thin lips evoke the north of Italy. The coat of arms The Armorio in the centre of the cassone symbolises the union of the two families of the young couple. In addition to the ye