Cupboard
Jacques Androuet Du Cerceau (c.1515 - c.1584)
Category
Furniture
Date
1550 - 1600
Materials
Oak
Measurements
1510 x 1125 x 410 mm
Place of origin
France
Order this imageCollection
Cotehele, Cornwall
NT 347774
Summary
French Renaissance oak cupboard in 2 stages, the upper part consisting of an architectural framework of carved fluted columns, between which are 2 doors carved in low relief with figures representing Architecture and Justice. In the centre a figure of King David set within a niche and with angel mask above. To the left and right of the 2 doors 2 further figures representing Fertility (?) set within niches and with lion masks above. The frieze of stylised flowers divided by carved brackets with a carved eagle in the centre. The lower section consisting of a stand with tripartite carved panel framed between fluted pillasters and carved with stylised foliage; the front supported on 2 pairs of fluted columns with central apron of carved and scrolled foliage. The frieze is fitted with 2 drawers having carved lion mask handles; central tablet of a vase with pommegranates; side panels of stylised strapwork. The whole piece resting on bun feet. According to Victor Chinnery (2004): An oak cabinet on stand (buffet or dressoir), the moulded cornice over a carved and bracketed frieze centred by a deeply-carved eagle bearing cornucopiae over a winged cherub mask, surmounting a niche containing the figure of King David playing his harp and flanked by a pair of doors with figures of Justice (bearing her scales), Hope or Architecture (bearing a column) further flanked by niches containing the figures of Charity (Pouring wine from ewer into cup) and Prudence or Wisdom; the centre portion fitted with a pair of drawers with lion masks, centred by a pot of fruitage and flanked by cartouche panels; the stand with moulded cornice over a pendant scrolled board flanked by pairs of columns with arches and backed by carved leafy panels conforming to the sides of the cabinet, raised on a deep plinth with projecting base moulding, the legs extended to form turned feet at the front. French, c.1550-1600 (Burgundian or Île de France), in the style of Jaques Androuet du Cerceau / School of Fontainebleau.
Provenance
According to Victor Chinnery (2004): Date of acquisition unknown. A similar oak and walnut cabinet is illustrated by Franz Windisch-Graetz in ‘Möbel Europas, Vol. II - Renaissance-Manierismus)’, Klinkhardt & Biermann, Munich 1983, p. 263. A walnut dressoir of similar form was sold by Sotheby’s, Bond Street, London, in the Haute Epoque Sale on 29 October 2003, Lot 153.
Makers and roles
Jacques Androuet Du Cerceau (c.1515 - c.1584)