Large 18th Century Painted Sideboard (Northern Italy) This is a large sideboard dating back to the late Baroque or Rococo/early Neoclassical period, datable to around the mid or second half of the 18th century (circa 1730-1780). It is typical of Northern Italy, with possible origins in areas such as Veneto, Friuli, where the tradition of painted furniture was widespread. Structure and Shape * Form and Body: The sideboard has a wide central body and two rounded or canted side sections that give the piece of furniture a trapezoidal or double-edged/bevelled shape, typical for lightening the mass of the furniture in prestigious environments. * Doors: The front is divided by four doors (two central and two lateral) that enclose a single internal compartment. * Upper Surface: The top, with a bird's beak profile, is linear, but the edges follow the rounded course of the underlying body, with a slight shaping or cove. * Base and Feet: The sideboard rests on a shaped and protruding base, interrupted by carved and stylised corbel or volute feet, which echo the decorative elements and elegantly lift the furniture off the floor. Technique and Decoration (Lacquering and Painting) The furniture is characterised by a rich ‘poor lacquer’ finish (Venetian lacquer), i.e. painted directly on the wood, rather than carved or inlaid, to emulate the more precious lacquered furniture. * Panels and Frames: The entire surface is divided into framed panels. The side panels and the areas between the frames have a decoration that imitates marble, with reddish-brown veining. * Central Reserves: * The side panels have central reserves painted with faux marble motifs on a dark background (petrol green/blue), set in a lacquered frame in brick colours and a dark perimeter edge (midnight blue). * The two central panels are unified by a large rectangular reserve or cartouche with shaped corners and ivory rocaille borders. The central field is dominated by a stylised volute and rocaille motif surrounding the keyhole, on a changing and variegated green background. * Corners and Connection Elements: The joints and corners, especially those between the various doors, are decorated with shaped volute or cartouche reserves, painted with a radial or zig-zag pattern in shades of brown and white/ivory, which serve to visually connect the different decorative sections. * Finish: The paint and lacquer are cracked (thin cracks on the painted surface) and patinated, giving the furniture an authentic antique and lived-in appearance. Condition The state of conservation is good for a period piece of furniture, but it shows signs of age and use. * Surface: The paint is clearly cracked and shows abrasions and small losses of colour, especially on the top and base. * Structure: The structure appears solid and complete. * Dimensions: 216 x 56 cm, height 117 cm. A regular certificate of authenticity with photos is issued. We guarantee a reply to your emails within 24 hours. REGISTERED IN THE REGISTER OF EXPERTS AND CTU AT THE COURT OF LA SPEZIA