CIRCA 1695

The decoration on this cabinet-on-chest exemplifies the international exchange of labor and ideas that occurred throughout England and the Continent in the late 17th Century. Seaweed marquetry became fashionable in England during the reign of William and Mary of Orange (1689-1702). Its 'antique' ornament of scrolling Roman acanthus and filigree is derived from the Livres de Divers Ornemens de Feullage published in the mid-17th Century by Paul Androuet Du Cerceau. Cerceau's texts in turn most certainly influenced the work of French Royal designer and ornamentalist Daniel Marot, later architect to William III.