Cabinet on Stand

Place of OriginNorthern Netherlands

Dateabout 1680

DimensionsH: 77 in.; W: 51 in.; Depth: 19 3/4 in.

MediumEbony, floral woods, ivory, tortoise shell, gilded bronze

ClassificationFurniture

Credit LinePurchased with funds from the Florence Scott Libbey Bequest in Memory of her Father, Maurice A. Scott

Object number

1962.21

On View

Toledo Museum of Art (2445 Monroe Street), Gallery, 22

Label TextThis Dutch cabinet is a tour-de-force of 17th-century luxury furniture-making techniques. The rich, red tortoiseshell veneer mimics Japanese lacquer and is beautifully contrasted with the carved ebony frame. The inlays of colored woods and ivory are expertly arranged in elaborate floral designs. Behind the central door are more drawers, more inlays, a carved ivory plaque of a mythological scene, and a miniature stage surrounded by mirrors to create an illusion of deep space (see illustration). A small bronze figure was originally placed on the stage. The cabinet’s stand features a false drawer front that folds down and pulls out to provide a writing surface. According to 17th-century inventories, such cabinets could contain small paintings, jewelry and gems, medals and antique coins, and even religious relics. A striking work of art in its own right, the cabinet probably formed part of a kunstkamer (“art room”)—a collection of natural and manmade wonders (see the case with the Nautilus Shell Cup and Ostrich Egg Cup in this gallery). [Image of interior]Exhibition HistoryToledo Museum of Art, Out of Sight, June 18-Aug. 29, 2010 (no cat.).