An exceptional 18th century Spanish wall cabinet, wonderfully preserved with its original hand-painted decoration in rich shades of blue, ochre and sage. Full of character and architectural detail, this is a rare and highly decorative piece with a remarkable sculptural presence.
The pair of panelled doors is decorated with naïve trompe-l'oeil mouldings and centred with oval landscape vignettes, each appearing to hang from delicate painted ribbons and floral swags. The restrained palette has mellowed beautifully with age, giving the cabinet the depth, softness and patina that only centuries of history can create.
Original iron hinges and lock furniture remain in place, their naturally worn surfaces providing a wonderful contrast to the painted decoration. Opening the doors reveals a generous shelved interior, providing useful storage alongside the cabinet's considerable decorative appeal.
The most distinctive feature sits beneath the cabinet: an elaborate carved wooden corbel centred with a sculptural cherub or putto, mascaron. Originally designed to support the cabinet when wall mounted, this beautifully carved architectural element gives the piece an extraordinary presence and is an unusual detail to find surviving with the cabinet.
The cabinet is now presented on a discreet later iron stand, allowing it to be used as a free standing piece while retaining the possibility of returning it to its original wall-hung presentation if desired.
A remarkable example of Spanish decorative furniture, combining original painted surfaces, architectural form and wonderfully individual craftsmanship.
Dimensions: 104 cm Width x 44 cm Depth x 171 cm Height (Height on later iron stand: 174 cm)
Origin: Spain
Date: 18th Century
Material: Painted and carved wood
Original hand-painted decoration
Painted landscape vignettes and trompe-l'oeil detailing
Original iron hinges and lock furniture
Shelved interior
Original carved wooden supporting corbel
Carved cherub (putto) mascaron
Later iron display stand
Authenticity
Every antique piece at Tallulah Fox has lived a unique life before finding its way to us. Gentle wear, historic repairs, natural patina and the character that comes with age are not imperfections but part of each piece's story, making every item entirely individual. We believe these signs of age are what give antique furniture its warmth, authenticity and enduring appeal.
Why We Love This Piece
There is so much to love about this cabinet, from the wonderfully naïve painted landscapes and beautifully mellowed original colours to the surviving ironwork. But it is the extraordinary carved cherub corbel beneath that makes it particularly special. Both decorative and sculptural, it's a piece that immediately draws the eye and rewards closer inspection.
SKU: 2223