Large carved poplar chest with domed lid. The top is decorat - Lot 11

Large carved poplar chest with domed lid. The top is decorated with a central rhombus flanked by acanthus scrolls, surrounded by a frieze of rosettes and framed by a frieze of palmettes. The reverse is painted with a character scene. The front of the chest is decorated with fluting and rosettes, while the sides are embellished with large acanthus palmettes. The interior features a side compartment. Northern Italy. Early 17th century. H_ 43 cm, W_ 107 cm, D_ 41.5 cm Lid detached. Damage. Our chest illustrates the vast production of wedding chests, a symbolic object representing the bride's dowry, frequently depicted from the Middle Ages onwards. This small object, both social and political, lasted until the 17th century, as did our chest. Expert : Stéphane Pepe