Castilian Bargueño from the XVII century.

Castilian chest of drawers from the XVII century.
In walnut wood, with marquetry in boxwood, ebony and fruit wood.
Measurements: 51 x 106 x 42 cm (chest); 88,5 x 89 x 44 cm (legs); 140 x 106 x 44 cm (total).

This is a superb arquilla or desk with its original "bridge foot" type support. It is an emblematic piece of Spanish furniture, specifically from the Castilian school of the 17th century. The rectangular walnut chest exhibits a sober exterior, with forged ironwork and iron handles. The hinged lid, when opened, serves as a desk and shows a bargueño front decorated with fine marquetry in each of its drawers in the form of diamond points and other geometric designs in boxwood, light wood and ebonized wood. The handles are in the shape of a venera. The central part, finely carved and covered with gold leaf, is conceived as an architectural façade. A niche, like a tabernacle, houses the sculptural effigy of an ecclesiastic in episcopal habit and mitre. Below the niche, two small gilded and finely carved doors, with small columns and vegetal motifs, conceal secret compartments for the most valuable objects. This central element demonstrates the craftsmanship of the artisan, while underscoring the importance of piety and faith in the daily life of 17th century Spain.

The desk rests on a solid walnut table, sturdy and elegantly carved, known as a "bridge foot" because of the crosspiece that joins the legs. The legs are turned and are topped at the top with capitals carved with vegetal motifs. The most characteristic element is the lower crosspiece, carved in the form of an arch, which confers stability and great structural elegance to the whole.

This type of bargueño was a symbol of status and wealth, used to store important documents, jewelry and valuables.