A 17th Century Italian Baroque Marquetry Cassettone

Italian, 17th Century

A rare and finely crafted Italian Baroque cassettone, circa 1680–1700, likely originating from Lombardy. Constructed in rich walnut, this piece features three full-length drawers, each adorned with exquisite marquetry panels depicting pastoral and animal scenes rendered in contrasting fruitwoods. Deeply carved foliate details frame each drawer, showcasing the high level of craftsmanship characteristic of the period.

Above the primary drawers, a concealed frieze opens to reveal a hidden writing surface and a series of small inlaid drawers, originally intended for correspondence and writing tools — a sophisticated secretarial feature rarely found in traditional commodes of this type.

Original brass hardware, bold carved feet, and a warm, time-softened patina complete this elegant and multifunctional piece.

A superb example of Northern Italian craftsmanship.