Credenza
Italian
Description
March 28, 2009
The Italian word “credenza” derives from the medieval Latin “credentia,” which may be loosely translated as “confidence given.” The word refers to a centuries-old practice favored by nobles accustomed to courtly intrigue, in which food brought from the kitchen was first set on a credenza, or sideboard, where it was tasted by a servant to protect the nobles from poisoning. This credenza features decorative and functional components that form an artful and 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.
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.
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