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Neo-Gothic Apothecary Cabinet
Naples, late 18th – early 19th century
Poplar wood, lacquered and mecca-gilded
Elegant Neapolitan apothecary cabinet from the late 18th century, crafted in poplar wood lacquered in a soft ivory tone and finished with mecca gilding — a technique in which silver leaf was applied and then glazed with a transparent varnish based on mecca resin, producing warm, deep reflections reminiscent of antique gold.
The three tall glass-fronted sections, marked by pointed arches and fitted with thin, evenly spaced shelves, together with the upper frieze of small Gothic arcades, interpret the decorative language of the period with balance and lightness.
Below, the decorated doors echo the same geometric rhythm and gilded highlights, creating a continuous and harmonious visual flow.
This aesthetic belongs to the Neo-Gothic revival of the late 18th century — a movement that rediscovered the vertical lines and spiritual atmosphere of the Middle Ages, reinterpreting them with measured elegance and architectural precision.
The original lacquer, in a light ivory hue, shows a gentle and even wear that reveals the texture of the wood and the subtle tones acquired over time, giving the piece an authentic and harmonious character.
Carefully restored, this rare historical furnishing was originally created to hold jars, flasks, and medical volumes — objects of knowledge and craft in those workspaces where the art of healing met the study of herbs and the precision of dosage.
Today it carries that same aura of composure and intellect: a cabinet capable of transforming an elegant living room, library, or study into a refined setting of memory and culture, where its architectural presence and luminous grace become a true mark of distinction.
- Material: Poplar wood
- Condition: Restored
- Period: Fine '700 / Primi '800
- Style: Neogotico
- State: Optimal conditions
