An early 19th century Spanish vargueno, or portable desk, made of hand-planed solid walnut. The drop front opens to an interior that is divided into eleven dovetailed drawers and one center cabinet, each with inlaid linear detailing and turned knobs. The exterior is mounted in iron, with iron handles on the sides. The front is secured by a heavy iron latch with working lock and key. The chest rests on a sturdy walnut side table made of solid hand-carved walnut. Elaborately detailed with turned legs forming an arched colonnade over the center stretcher. Fine carvings include large scrolls with acanthus leaves, lion head prunts, turned finials and foliate molding along the perimeter of the tabletop. The table is not the original match to the vargeno, but presents well in both style and proportions. The vargeno is from the early 1800s and the table is from the early 1900s.
Overall dimensions: 35.25"W x 22.5"D x 49"H
Dimensions of chest: 34.25"W x 14.5"D x 20.25"H
Dimensions of table: 35.25"W x 22.5"D x 29"H
Depth when open: 33"

#83492