A magnificent 17th-century Spanish Bargueno cabinet in walnut, mounted on its sideboard, is a chest of drawers. The piece is divided into two stackable sections. The upper section, called the Bargueno, has two side handles and openwork wrought ironwork inscribed within geometric patterns. It is secured by an ornate double-hatch lock depicting four towers and pomegranates. The Bargueno opens with a drop-front revealing a series of drawers and architecturally arranged compartments. These feature motifs of pediments, entablature, and twisted columns in fine marquetry of wood and bone. It rests on the lower section, a sideboard, a chest of drawers opening with two drawers and two doors. Two pulls adorned with scallop shells hold the Bargueno's drop-front closed. The sideboard is decorated with carved lozenge motifs, bone inlay rosettes, and wrought iron details. Each compartment closes with an openwork wrought iron lock featuring a shell motif.

This piece is characteristic of 17th-century Spanish cabinets, with their imposing and richly decorated appearance. This antique piece of furniture was used as a portable writing desk, for storing administrative documents, and as a cabinet of curiosities for precious objects. Dating from the Baroque period, this bargueno relies on the element of surprise provided by its architecturally designed marquetry drawers concealed beneath a very simple panel.

17th century period, circa 1650
Dim: L: 114cm, D: 43cm, H: 144cm.
Dim: W: 44.9in, D: 16.9in, H: 56.7in.
Condition report: In good overall condition. Signs of wear consistent with age.