Prospective purchasers are advised that several co… Read more

A FLEMISH ORMOLU AND REPOUSSE BRASS-MOUNTED RED STAINED TORTOISESHELL AND EBONY CABINET-ON-STAND

ANTWERP, MID-17TH CENTURY, THE STAND RECONSTRUCTED IN THE 19TH CENTURY

Details

A FLEMISH ORMOLU AND REPOUSSE BRASS-MOUNTED RED STAINED TORTOISESHELL AND EBONY CABINET-ON-STAND
ANTWERP, MID-17TH CENTURY, THE STAND RECONSTRUCTED IN THE 19TH CENTURY
The cove-molded cornice with applied ormolu and tortoiseshell cabochons above a rectangular case fitted with two banks of fve frieze drawers flanking an architectural center with a drawer and a pair of doors with applied figural pilasters opening to a mirrored inlaid architectural interior, over another drawer, the stand with two frieze drawers on scrolled legs resting on a plinth and bun feet, the drawers with printed labels numbered 1 to 13
65 in. (165 cm.) high, 47 in. (119 cm.) wide, 17¾ in. ( 45.5 cm.) deep

Provenance

(By repute) The Hôtel Diane de Poitiers, Orléans.
Monsieur Augustin Miron, sold Paris, 17-19 March 1823, lot 285.
Anonymous sale; Christie's, Monaco, 19 June 1999, lot 44.

Special notice

Prospective purchasers are advised that several countries prohibit the importation of property containing materials from endangered species, including but not limited to coral, ivory and tortoiseshell. Accordingly, prospective purchasers should familiarize themselves with relevant customs regulations prior to bidding if they intend to import this lot into another country.

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Lot Essay

This sumptuous cabinet, with its rich combination of tortoiseshell, gilt-bronzes and ebony, epitomizes the luxurious wares produced in Antwerp in the 17th Century. Although it is not possible to attribute it to a specific cabinet-maker, the names of Michel Verbint, Dirk Topts and Nicholas Verbert are associated with similar cabinets, often in collaboration with the silversmiths Moemans or Somers.

The cabinet is described in detail as lot 285 in the sale of Monsieur Augustin Miron's collection following the death of his wife in 1823 as "Meuble à deaux corps en écaille encadrée, en èbène avec garniture, en cuivre doré...Le corps...supérieur est à chapelle et à tiroir. La chapelle présente des peintures d'un bon goût, et paraît avoir été destinée à être reliquaire; ses ornemens sont en vermeil et les fleurs-de-lys de l'ancienne forme; les portes de la chapelle sont richementt decorées de figures ailées en bronze doré"

The catalogue description also claims that the cabinet was formerly in the celebrated 16th Century Renaissance hôtel known as the Hôtel Diane de Poitiers in Orléans (although in fact built for the court favorite Cabu with designs reputedly by Jacques Androuet du Cerceau).

Augustin Miron made his fortune in the wool industry and was listed in the 1808 Almanach de Commerce of Orléans.

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