Record details

• generalData.title

  Writing desk

• generalData.creationDate

  Mitjans del segle XVI

• technicalData.measurements

  36 x 59 x 32 cm

• technicalData.complementaryDescription

  The 16th century was characterized by the rediscovery of classical proportions and the reinterpretation of the codes that, until the mid-19th century, would be considered the unquestionable essence of all European art. Furniture making also shared this classical inspiration, offering spatial configurations based on mathematical series and regular rhythms. Spanish artistic production was significantly influenced by the Moorish medieval legacy, visible in furniture through the widespread use of the marquetry technique.
  The conversion of these different styles is clearly visible in our furniture, with the result of an extraordinarily proportioned and balanced decoration. Dating from the mid-16th century, this desk has the characteristics mentioned above. Regarding its composition and structure, the garment is richly decorated, both inside and outside. The front is adorned with two horizontal friezes: the upper one, a succession of arches that frame jugs with flowers and candelabras; the lower one, a central arch decorated with small rhomboidal pieces (the so-called "piñoneto") and two large plateresque vases on the sides. A lid also opens at the top, dominated by an interlacing of lines that wrap around an octagon, surrounded by several delicate curls. Inside, drawers of different sizes present a more varied decoration of Mudejar origin: the geometric motifs formed by stars inscribed in circles, vases and cups are repeated in an interrupted sequence. The application of bone is multiplied creating an organized horror vacui that also extends to the half-round moldings that separate the drawers, being bicolor alternating bone and bevel woods. The covers inside follow a geometric decoration. Additionally, there are wrought iron handles on both sides of the exterior of the desk.