Credenza / Artist Unknown, Italy

Viewer

Actions

file_download Download image 179 x 110 (JPEG) 358 x 221 (JPEG) 717 x 443 (JPEG) 1435 x 887 (JPEG)

About this Item

Record Details

Accession Number
1955/1.228
Title
Credenza
Artist Nationality
Italian
Medium and Support
oak wood
Object Creation Date
1500-1530
Object Creation Place
Europe (continent)
Italy (nation)
Creation Place 1
Europe (continent)
Creation Place 2
Italy (nation)
Style/Group/Movement
Renaissance
Dimensions
105.41 cm x 170.18 cm x 58.42 cm (41 1/2 in. x 67 in. x 23 in.)
Primary Object Classification
Furniture and Furniture Accessories
Primary Object Type
cabinet
Secondary Object Classification
Wood and Woodcarving
Secondary Object Type
furniture
Physical Description
The front of this handsome oak credenza, or sideboard, is divided into halves by three pilasters. Each half is outfitted with a drawer and a door below. The decorative and functional components are artfully arranged across the front of the piece to form a balanced composition of repeated geometric shapes and harmonious proportions.
Subject Matter
The Italian word "credenza" derives from the medieval Latin "credentia" (loosely translated as "security given"). The word refers to a centuries-old practice favored by lords and ladies accustomed to the treacheries of court intrigue. Food brought from the kitchen was first set on a credenza (or sideboard) near the dining table where it was tasted by a servant to protect the nobles from poisoning by their enemies.
Rights
If you are interested in using an image for a publication, please visit https://umma.umich.edu/about/services/request-image/ for more information and to fill out the online Image Rights and Reproductions Request Form.

Technical Details

Image Size
1435 x 887
File Size
166 KB
Record
1955/1.228
Link to this Item
https://quod.lib.umich.edu/m/musart/x-1955-sl-1.228/1955_1.228.jpg

Rights and Permissions

Manifest
https://quod.lib.umich.edu/cgi/i/image/api/manifest/musart:1955-SL-1.228:1955_1.228.JPG

Cite this Item

View the Help Guide for more information.

Full citation
"Credenza; Artist Unknown, Italy." In the digital collection University of Michigan Museum of Art. https://quod.lib.umich.edu/m/musart/x-1955-sl-1.228/1955_1.228.jpg. University of Michigan Library Digital Collections. Accessed March 28, 2024.
Do you have questions about this content? Need to report a problem? Please contact us.