A rare & magnificently decorative antique Spanish Fernandino style mahogany chest of drawers commode & mirror. Hand-crafted in Spain in the late 19th century, surmounted by the monumental dresser mirror with finely hand carved giltwood bird crest, atop flat mirror plates, framed by ornate scrolling foliates. Mounted over a mahogany bombe shaped chest accented with contrasting string banded inlay, gilded birds perched on stylized scrolled foliate, flanking four drawers. The solid wooden case fitted with a projecting frieze drawer, over three larger drawers, rising on sculptural patinated gilt wood ancient Egyptian Sphinx form front feet. Bold, dramatic & luxurious yet with an elegant warmth, & visually striking sophistication, the two piece set can be used a variety of different ways, including in the bedroom as a dresser / commode, in the dining room as a sideboard server, credenza console, or placed in the foyer as a stunning entry statement piece! Dimensions: (approx) Overall: 86.25" High, 43" Wide, 22" Deep Commode: 32.25" High, 43" Wide, 21.25" Deep Mirror: 54" High, 36.5" Wide History: Fernandino style is called the one developed in the decorative arts - especially furniture - in Spain during the reign of Fernando VII (1814-1833). It happened in the Empire style & preceded the Elizabethan style. The Fernandino style or Fernando VII style was equivalent to the French Restoration style & the English Regency style . It occurred especially in furniture, characterized by its practicality & a somewhat heavy air, with a predominance of rectangular shapes & the use of smooth veneers & gilt wood applications. The greatest influence of the Fernandino style came from the French Directory & Empire styles, with respect to which it presents few differences & almost no entity of its own. It is characterized by its heaviness & lack of grace and, compared to its French references, it presents a greater roughness of lines & ornamentation, as well as less elegance. Fernandino furniture has neoclassical roots, inspired by Greco-Roman antiquity. It has a solemn & somewhat ostentatious appearance, with ornamental motifs such as laurel wreaths , garlands & lyres. Another source of inspiration, like the French Empire style, is Egyptian art - due to Napoleon’s Egyptian campaign - especially in the use of sphinxes. The chairs have so-called “saber” legs, & the beds are of the so-called “gondola” type. The most commonly used wood was mahogany , sometimes with bronze trim. Towards the end of the period there is a certain Gothic influence coming from fashionable romanticism . Some of the best examples of Fernandino furniture can be found in the Oriente & El Pardo palaces in Madrid. Condition: Great shape overall, especially considering age. Dark, rich mahogany coloring, warm hues, superb grain detailing, & nicely aged patina with luminous sheen. Strong, sturdy & structurally sound. Retaining original antique character marks, including typical wear & tear consistent
