Untitled
manner of Jan van Mekeren (1658-1733)
Category
Furniture
Date
circa 1700 (part)
Materials
Olive, walnut, holly, fruitwoods, sycamore, bone, oak construction.
Place of origin
Amsterdam
Order this imageCollection
Kingston Lacy Estate, Dorset
NT 1254468
Summary
A pair of walnut and olive, marquetry inlaid centre tables, probably constructed circa 1840, the marquetry tops converted from a pair of cupboard doors, in the manner of Jan van Mekeren (Amsterdam, 1658–1733) circa 1700. Each top inlaid with a central oval panel of a vase of flowers standing on a plinth with bone inlaid detail and with corner panels inlaid with further floral designs, above a frieze incorporating a single drawer and further later floral inlay (circa 1840). Raised on square section tapered legs with block collars and turned bun feet.
Full description
These table tops would have originally been part of a cabinet on stand, they are typical of Dutch floral marquetry of the late 17th century.The quality of floral marquetry produced at this time in Amsterdam rivaled all but the finest work produced in Paris. It attempted to imitate flower paintings, which were popular and van Mekeren was a master of his craft. There are several pieces attributed to his workshop, one such cupboard is in the V&A collection (W.5:1 to 3-1986) and others in the Rijksmuseum, Amsterdamn (BK-1964-12) and (BK-1962-50). James Weedon (July 2018)
Provenance
Bequest of the estates of Corfe Castle and Kingston Lacy made to the National Trust by Henry John Ralph Bankes (1902-1981). NT ownership commenced from 19th August 1982.
Makers and roles
manner of Jan van Mekeren (1658-1733), furniture designer and maker
References
Baarsen, R. 'Furniture in Holland's Golden Age' 2007 Rijksmuseum van Duin, Paul and Breebaart, Iskander 'The conservation of a late 17th century floral marquetry cabinet attributed to Jan van Mekeren' Rijksmuseum