Italian Carved and Stained Walnut Cassone

17th/18th century, the front with a relief-carved allegorical scene and flanked by figural pilasters, the base molding deeply carved and raised on shell- and scroll-carved feet.
h. 28", w. 69", d. 21"

In good as-found condition, exhibiting shrinkage, mars, chips and abrasions consistent with age and use, including some restorations and past repairs. The top shows some shrinkage cracks, and a shrinkage separation where two boards are laminated together. It has previously been doweled at that pint, and is now loose. Small rectilinear patch to the top. The hinges are later. The case retains a lock but lacks the plate mounted to the top to engage a lock. No key. There is a loss of the face on one of the standing caryatids on the front body pilaster. There is a loss, about 1" by 3" to the bottom molding framing the oval plaque. There are scattered smaller chips and flakes to edges, most notably along the base.