Richly carved wooden bank chest – Renaissance style – 19th century

Wooden chest bench richly carved – Renaissance style – 19th century. An important and highly decorative solid wood chest bench richly carved, in Renaissance style, dating from the 19th century. The high backrest features a remarkable architectural composition. It is rhythmically divided by three rectangular moulded panels adorned with carved rosettes, separated by pilasters decorated with palmettes and foliage. The upper part is particularly elaborate with a frieze composed of a succession of sculpted arcatures, topped with an elegant pediment cut with scrolls and foliage, centred by a large rosette. Two female heads carved in high relief are positioned at the upper ends of the backrest, enhancing the Renaissance character of the piece. The substantial curved armrests rest at the front on turned supports shaped like balusters. The wooden seat shows a beautiful patina of use and is hinged, revealing a vast storage space: this piece thus serves a dual function as both a bench and a chest. The lower part echoes the rich decorative vocabulary of the backrest with three panels adorned with rosettes, separated by sculpted uprights of palmettes. The whole rests on small ball feet. Very beautiful old brown patina revealing the nuances and natural wear of the wood. The numerous signs of use contribute fully to the authentic character of this piece. A chest bench of great presence, particularly interesting for furnishing an entrance, a library, a vestibule, or a characterful home. Style: Renaissance / Neo-Renaissance. Period: 19th century. Dimensions: Height: 125 cm. Width: 109 cm. Depth: 52 cm. Overall good condition with signs of use, minor restorations, and wear consistent with its age.