Carved Italian Cassone Chest c.1800

Fabulous early 19th.c. Italian walnut Renaissance revival cassone or marriage chest c.1800. Superb carved exterior with the lid featuring a splendid double headed eagle (symbol of the Hapsburg empire which ruled much of what became Northern Italy) clutching an heraldic shield, and the front featuring a pair of renaissance style male cameo heads. Relief carved with various Classical motifs including shells, grotesques and scrolling acanthus forms. Steel carry handles at the sides, a pierced lock plate and working lock with key supplied. Projecting column pilasters at the corners front and rear and a deep egg and dart moulding around the base. Raised on large front feet extending beyond the front of the box and carved as putti heads. Excellent colour and condition, cleaned and waxed in our workshops.