16th Century French Carved Renaissance Cabinet

Former collection Altounian At the beginning of the reign of Henri II (1547-1559) the furniture’s ornamentation evolves. The few medieval motifs that were still used are eventually relinquished. Furniture becomes more sober showcasing moulded panels and perfect architecture. Cabinet-makers use ornaments such as curved fluted or plain columns, feather quills, roses or winged putti heads. High-relief carving becomes more scarce and compositions lighter. To that end cabinet-makers draw inspiration from Fontainebleau motifs filtering them and adapting them to French taste. During this period cabinet-makers turn into a kind of architects. Indeed the architectural balance of furniture is the centre of their concerns. The study of Antic formulas is then a necessity. From this care given to proportions appear refined cabinets with pure lines. This style is characteristic of the reign of Henri II and disappears soon after under the regency of Catherine de Medici (1560-1574) when an abundance of high and low-relief ornaments comes back on furnitures. This two-bodies cabinet...

The cabinet’s upper body, slightly recessed is topped by an overlapping entablature and cornice supported both in the front and the rear by four fluted columns. The lower body stands on four squared feet and a moulded base. Each door-leaf’s panel is centred by a low-relief carving presenting one of the four evangelists...

On the left post of the lower body, is written the date 1596 in a cartouche This cabinet has two bodies. The upper part, set back, is moulded and carved. At the bottom, the cabine...

This cabinet is composed of two bodies, the upper one being recessed. The extraordinary proportions are enriched by a mythological and floral carved decor. The Lower body stands o...

Collection Jean Thuile Around the mid-sixteenth century French furnishing evolves in its conception and ornamentation. The start of major archi...

This stipo, little Italian cabinet made of walnut and walnut burl, is a remarkable example of Mannerism applied to decorative arts during the late 16th century. While the Manneris...

Beautiful French Renaissance cabinet in two parts. The top part with two carved doors featuring classical figures opening to an interior fit...

French Henry II Deux-Corps cabinet, in two parts. Of linear design and interesting, unusual proportions, the top part with two-doors over two drawers, bottom with two larger drawers ...

Unique and rare cabinet with an open base, finished all around, so it could be freestanding in the room, the front panels intricately carved with gothic tracery work, the side and ba...

Rare monumental Hunt style Renaissance Revival cabinet by Alexander Roux 1870 museum quality piece. Carved out of solid oak with numerous rich details...

Antique oversized French Renaissance carved walnut cupboard with exaggerated crest having acanthus and shell, surmounting triple door ...

A truly stunning cabinet with a rich patina. Made by a Swedish cabinetmaker in the early 19th century. The paint on the inside and the outside is all original. Original hardware includes the hinges, locks, key, straps. Intricate carved paneling.