Antique Baroque Cabinet, 1700s

Details

Description

Period / Style: Late Renaissance / Transition to Early Baroque
Date: Circa 1700
Dimensions: Height: approx. 280 cm | Length/Width: … Read more Period / Style: Late Renaissance / Transition to Early Baroque
Date: Circa 1700
Dimensions: Height: approx. 280 cm | Length/Width: approx. 270 cm
Material: Walnut veneer and other select hardwoods

: This museum-quality cabinet is architecturally structured. A magnificent piece of furniture of exceptional craftsmanship and imposing dimensions, it impressively documents the transition from the late 17th to the early 18th century, in which the geometric rigor of the Renaissance merged with the sculptural elements of the Baroque.

Architectural Structure: The cabinet is designed in three parts. The massive, wide-projecting, and intricately profiled cornice crowns the piece. The upper and middle levels are supported on the sides by striking, freestanding columns with ornate composite capitals, giving the cabinet the appearance of a Renaissance palace facade.

Front Design & Inlays: The fronts impress with their extremely elaborate architectural articulation. The doors are crafted as sculptural blind arches and niche designs, suggesting depth and spatial dimension. Contrasting geometric inlays (marquetry/intarsia) of fine walnut veneer and other contrasting woods create a vibrant, harmonious interplay of colors.

Features & Fittings: The cabinet has a total of nine lockable doors or compartments distributed across three levels, offering ample storage space. A particular highlight for collectors and enthusiasts is the exceptionally high degree of originality of the fittings: all 24 valuable, blued door hinges are original. Of the nine locks, one is in its original historical condition; the others were expertly added over the centuries. The piece rests on a solid, profiled base with period-typical, solid feet.

Condition: Excellent, collectible condition for its age, with a beautiful, authentic patina. Minor age-related wear, minimal veneer repairs, or minor drying cracks are perfectly authentic for a piece of furniture of this age and attest to its long history. Over time, some parts have been added, mainly small moldings, the feet, and the baseboard.

Construction:

The cabinet consists of four parts: base, middle section, top, and cornices. See less