Cabinet and Buffet Table, Mexico, Late 18th Century

This stunning desk and buffet table combination, originating from Mexico in the second half of the 18th century, is a remarkable example of colonial craftsmanship. Made of polychromed pine wood with embossed silver plates, the piece is adorned with intricate religious scenes and vegetative motifs. It features a crest with the coat of arms of Francisco Antonio de Lorenzana y Butrón, a prominent historical figure. Key Features: Historical Significance: The piece 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 from polychromed pine wood, the desk and buffet table are decorated with embossed silver plates depicting religious scenes and vegetative motifs. Design: The desk features a robust, prismatic structure composed of two parts: a buffet with bridge legs and an upper desk. Restorations: The piece has undergone restorations and modifications, ensuring its preservation and continued functionality. Specifications: Materials: Polychromed 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 Era: Late 18th century and later : This Mexican desk and buffet table set, dating from the late 18th century, showcases a robust and prismatic structure. Composed of two parts—the buffet table with bridge legs and the upper desk—both are crafted from polychromed pine wood and adorned with exquisite embossed silver plates. These plates feature intricate vegetative motifs and religious scenes, including the Education of the Virgin, the Betrothal of the Virgin, the Annunciation, the Flight to Egypt, and the Nativity. The lower section is supported by two longitudinal legs connected by a central architectural structure with Doric columns and a corridor-like design with semicircular arches. The perimeter of the tabletop is decorated with embossed silver appliques. The desk itself is symmetrically organized into three sections and three registers, with small drawers of varying sizes, each adorned with silver appliques of higher technical complexity. The desk is topped with 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 piece’s illustrious ownership. Lorenzana y Butrón (León, 1722 – Rome, 1804) was a significant figure in Mexican and Spanish ecclesiastical history. Silver was a primary export of Spanish America, valued both as raw material and for its exquisite craftsmanship. Colonial silverwork achieved a level of refinement and quality comparable to European standards. This piece exemplifies the fusion of Western traditions with local cultural influences, showcasing the artisans’ talent in creating innovative and original designs.