The most representative piece of furniture in 18th-century Italian interiors is undoubtedly the TRUMEAU, or rather the TRUMEAUX, as they were generally made in pairs to pompously furnish formal rooms.
These pieces of furniture were considered an evolution of ancient wardrobes and probably first appeared in Venice in the 18th century. They consisted of two stacked sections, separated by a fold-down slanted surface that served as a desk. The lower part generally featured drawers, while the upper section was enclosed by one or two doors. These doors could be entirely made of wood, glass, or even covered with mirrors. In fact, it is from the mirrors that the name originates. Historically, “Trumeaux” in aristocratic palaces referred to the spaces between two doors or windows, often occupied by paintings or, more commonly, by large mirrors. It is these “reflective” elements positioned at the top of the furniture that gave it the name Trumeau. Imagine how its beauty must have been reflected in the large rooms illuminated by many candles and/or numerous oil lamps. It, therefore, played a role in achieving the necessary brightness in rooms, which, in the 18th century, was a symbol of luxury and prestige. Sometimes, to further enhance its brightness, two small pull-out trays were located in the lower sections to hold candles, whose light would be reflected by the mirrored doors of the furniture.
In Italy, the 18th-century Trumeau had a fairly uniform structure throughout the “Bel Paese,” but the decorations varied based on the regions and their main production centers. Therefore, an expert eye should be able to determine its origin at a glance.
In Lombardy, the structure is generally made of poplar and walnut burl, and the decorations, especially in Milan, are framed with pearwood or cherrywood stained black, creating color contrasts.
LOMBARD TRUMEAU
In Piedmont, the Trumeau is famous for its ivory and mother-of-pearl inlays. These pieces often feature “goat” feet.
PIEDMONTESE TRUMEAU
In Liguria, especially in Genoa, the trumeaux are veneered in herringbone rosewood, with a rounded shape and lacking a crest. The “four-leaf clover” decorations are well known.
GENOESE TRUMEAU
In Ferrara, the trumeaux are made of light walnut, with sturdy curved legs, based on models inspired by Venetian styles.
FERRARESE TRUMEAU
In Rome and Lazio, they feature architectural forms, divided by columns and pilasters, with yellow angelino trims.
ROMAN TRUMEAU
In Naples and Sicily, the trumeaux are monumental, often decorated with more or less geometric combinations of walnut burls and exotic woods.
NEAPOLITAN TRUMEAU
Finally, in Venice, curves triumph, with rich crests adorned with flowers or curls, with an engraved mirror inside.
VENETIAN TRUMEAU
In France, ironically, this piece of furniture was called the “Bureau Cabinet,” in the Netherlands it was the “Schriftcabinet,” in Germany the “Schreibchrank,” and in England the “Tallboy,” but that’s another story…
By the end of the 18th century, the trumeau would be replaced by the Secretaire, as there was a need for more intimacy and privacy, so trumeaux would become less common, or take on different shapes or names.
THE CONNECTION WITH VILLAGO LUXURY PRODUCTS
If you wish to admire some wonderful 18th-century trumeaux in original period settings and learn about the culture of the era, including its relation to furnishings, we offer the “Journey into Venetian Luxury between Prestigious Artisan Workshops and Noble Palaces” (found in luxury weekend – north/Venice).