Lot Essay
This walnut 'hoekbuffet' or corner-cabinet demonstrates the strong English influence on Dutch furniture at the beginning of the 18th Century. In fact in this period many Dutch cabinet-makers called their products 'English' in sale notices and advertisements. The double-domed top of this 'hoekbuffet' also clearly derives from English prototypes. This kind of top, with a dome above each door, appeared in Britain around 1690. It was subsequently adopted by Dutch cabinet-makers in the early 18th Century and probably remained fashionable considerably longer than in England. A cabinet with a double-domed cresting and embellished with floral marquetry can be attributed to the celebrated Amsterdam cabinet-maker Jan van Meekeren (1658-1733) and at an auction held in Amsterdam in 1739 'Nooteboome Cabinetten met Boogen' [with arches] are mentioned. (R.J.Baarsen, De Amsterdamse meubelloterijen, Zwolle, 1992, p.55)
A Dutch double-domed bureau-bookcase was sold by J.Fletcher, Esq. at Christie's London, 22 April 1966, lot 195 and a further example was sold at Sotheby's New York, 31 march 1995, lot 193.
See illustration
A Dutch double-domed bureau-bookcase was sold by J.Fletcher, Esq. at Christie's London, 22 April 1966, lot 195 and a further example was sold at Sotheby's New York, 31 march 1995, lot 193.
See illustration