Cabinet And Buffet Table; Mexico, End Of The 18th Century And After, In Silver

This superb combination of desk and buffet table, originating in Mexico in the second half of the 18th century, is a remarkable example of colonial craftsmanship. Crafted from polychrome pine wood with embossed silver plaques, the piece is decorated with intricate religious scenes and plant motifs. It features a coat of arms with the coat of arms of Francisco Antonio de Lorenzana y Butrón, a prominent historical figure. Main Features: Historical Significance: The coin bears the coat of arms of Francisco Antonio de Lorenzana y Butrón, Archbishop of Mexico, Cardinal-Archbishop Primate of Spain and Grand Inquisitor. Craftsmanship: Made of polychrome pine wood, the desk and buffet table are decorated with embossed silver plaques depicting religious scenes and plant motifs. Design: The desk features a sturdy prismatic structure consisting of two parts: a sideboard with bridge legs and an upper desk. Restorations: The piece has undergone restorations and modifications, ensuring its preservation and continued functionality. Specifications: Materials: Polychrome pine wood, embossed silver plates Dimensions: Desk: 102 cm (height) x 102 cm (width) x 41 cm (depth) Buffet table: 90.5 cm (height) x 116 cm (width) ) x 54.5 cm (depth) Origin: Mexico Period: Late 18th century and later Description: This Mexican desk and buffet table set, dating from the late 18th century, has a robust and prismatic structure. Comprised of two parts, the buffet table with bridge legs and the upper desk, both are made from polychrome pine wood and adorned with stunning embossed silver plaques. These plates feature intricate plant designs and religious scenes, including the Education of the Virgin, the Betrothal of the Virgin, the Annunciation, the Flight into Egypt, and the Nativity. The lower part is supported by two longitudinal legs connected by a central architectural structure with Doric columns and a corridor-shaped design with semicircular arches. The edge of the tray is decorated with embossed silver appliques. The desk itself is organized symmetrically into three sections and three registers, with small drawers of different sizes, each decorated with silver appliques of higher technical complexity. The desk is topped by a balustrade-like structure featuring a central crest and silver figures at the corners. The crest prominently displays the coat of arms of Francisco Antonio de Lorenzana y Butrón, indicating the illustrious owner of the piece. Lorenzana y Butrón (León, 1722 - Rome, 1804) was an important figure in Mexican and Spanish ecclesiastical history. Silver was one of the main exports of Spanish America, valued both as a raw material and for its craftsmanship. Colonial goldsmithing reached a level of refinement and quality comparable to European standards. This piece illustrates the fusion of Western traditions with local cultural influences, showcasing the talent of artisans in creating innovative and original designs.