SALAMANCA, 17TH CENTURY

This form of writing desk on chest, most probably originating from Salamanca, is discussed by María Aguiló Alonso in El Mueble en España (Madrid, 1993). This, and a closely related example from the Museo Arqueológico Nacional, Madrid (Inv. 52.652), are identified as type 'C' (op. cit., p. 110, cat. 219), distinguished by the configuration of drawers and door, the use of Solomonic columns and the distinctive geometrically moulded drawers inlaid with bone plaques and decorated with polychrome flowers and gilding. Further related examples are illustrated and discussed in S.B Katz, Hispanic Furniture: An American Collection from the Southwest, Stamford, 1986, pp. 129-131, figs. 152-157. A related vargeuño on chest was sold Christie's. London, 10 February 2012, lot 785 (£115,250, including premium).