Lot 10

MANNERIST CHEST

An impressive Mannerist chest with rich figural and floral carvings of exceptional quality, dominated by a relief carving with so-called grotesque ornamentation. This style began to be used during the Renaissance when ancient Roman palaces with stylized fresco decorations were uncovered. Because they were discovered in caves, they are referred to as stile grottesco (translated as cave style). The actual originator of the grotesque style was Raffael Santi, who developed it mainly in the decoration of the papal palace in the Vatican. This type of ornament is characterized by the density of human bodies connected to animal bodies (dragons, cherubs) by means of acanthus leaf tendrils, which are never completely finished, thus connecting the human principle with the animal principle. Excellent condition.