Bidspirit auction | Exceptional 16th-century Nuremberg Chest

Exceptional 16th-century Nuremberg Chest - Wood covered with riveted wrought iron plates. Measures 40 x 68 x 38 cm. An important rectangular chest with a flat lid fitted with a central gripping ring, fully reinforced with wrought iron plates of strong utilitarian character. The front features exceptional painted decoration divided into registers with naive landscape scenes, including a solitary tree and architecture evoking a bridge or fortified gate, executed in a palette of browns and greens enhanced with ochres and light touches. The sides display stylized floral motifs characteristic of Baroque productions from Central and Alpine Europe. The sophisticated locking system includes a central lock with an openwork bolt, two original wrought iron padlocks with a complex mechanism, and the corresponding antique key. The twisted iron side handles demonstrate solid forging intended for safe transport. The chest retains considerable historical interest due to the rarity of its complete original locking system. Work probably Germanic, Tyrol, Bavaria or Austria, circa 1650-1700. 40 x 68 x 38 cm.