"Council of Trent" chest, 16th century, SOLD

Noble chest in carved and sculpted walnut of exceptional beauty, with particularly rich and unusual decoration, originating from the city of Trento and commissioned in the 16th century. Notched lid edge, sub-lid carved with a nail motif, lateral pilasters with acanthus leaves. The front is a single section with the sun motif in the center, with the tree of life in spiraliform motifs rich in vine shoots and bunches of grapes, a symbol of abundance and prosperity. Important Renaissance-style base. Original and rare mask-shaped support feet. The furniture is in its original patina, intact and in excellent condition. The furniture is distinguished by the accuracy of the carving and the elegance of the structure, as well as by the extraordinary chiaroscuro effect created by the play of carving. Towards the middle of the 16th century, an event of extraordinary importance took place in the city of Trento, which saw the meeting of all the high offices of the Church of Rome aimed at countering the Lutheran Protestant reformation. The "Council of Trent" for a few years (1545-1563) led the small city to become the center of interest for all of Europe. This resulted in an extraordinary socio-cultural evolution with great social and artistic fervor. The presence of the Popes who succeeded each other in those years, from Paul III to Pius IV, led to the creation of splendid artifacts in the Renaissance palaces of Trento, among which the chests stood out, which were practically the only furniture of the time. This splendid chest, coming from "Palazzo Sardagna", is part of these magnificent furnishings. Measurements (cm): 175 x 55 h. 72