Pair of Fernandine chests of drawers; Mallorca,... Lot 49

Pair of Fernandine chests of drawers; Mallorca, circa 1820. Mahogany and gilded wood. Slight flaws and restorations. Provenance: private collection conceived since the 1970s between London and Madrid. Measurements: 94 x 139 x 59 cm (x2). Pair of fernandinas chests of drawers that present the same volumetric and rounded design. Made both in mahogany, the pieces sit on a rectangular base on which the legs rest; two back ones with a smooth finish and two front ones on which we can see the carving in the shape of a mermaid, a very common feature of the period. The lower part is finished with another moulding that gives way to the body of the piece of furniture consisting of three drawers, aesthetically conceived as a whole, as the craftsman plays with the tone of the wood and arranges the ornamental appliqués with a gilt finish in such a way as to join the upper and intermediate registers. These details depict a figure holding a bird by the neck, and in the area of the keyhole another bird resting on the structure of the keyhole. The gilded wooden appliqués are also arranged on the sides, in this case as vegetal elements. The Fernandine style is known as an "adaptation" of the French Empire style, especially during the reign of Ferdinand VII, and is characterised by its inspiration in classical antiquity with greater simplicity compared to the French examples. Lyre-shaped legs, garlands, ovals, etc. abound, with polished mahogany predominating and bronze appliqués being very common.