Neoclassical Single-Door Cabinet, Painted and Gilded, Germany, circa 1800

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Neoclassical Single-Door Cabinet, Painted and Gilded, Germany, circa 1800

About the Item

Neoclassical single-door cabinet, painted and gilded decoration, Germany, circa 1800. The architectural appearance springs from the four equally sized bracket feet that support the cabinet as well as the series of vertical fluting that flank the cabinet door as well as the overall balance and symmetry of both the decoration and construction. This handsome cabinet was originally designed and constructed both for storage and display given its unusual depth and finished appearance on both sides as well as the front façade. The top has an elaborate moulded edge that cascades in a particularly handsome way and shape of the moulding relates to the profile of the bracket feet. The central cabinet door is slightly recessed and opened using a key instead a knob or pull. This gives a clue about its origin as access was controlled by the person in the household who possessed the key, most likely a servant, as valuable objects were stored inside. The refreshed painted finish is beautiful both in the choice of color as well as the gold leaf highlights that emphasize the vertical and horizontal lines as well as the design located in the center of the cabinet door. The neoclassical design seen on the interior panel of the cabinet door is centered on an urn enclosed within a laurel wreath. The appearance of such a wreath was deliberately chosen for its reference to the ancient ideals of Greece and Rome and the owner's affinity for and desire to be associated with this grand period in history. Perhaps the most famous example is the portrait of Napoleon I by Gerard (circa 1805) depicting him wearing a laurel wreath in a politically inspired effort to accrue the values of an earlier age to his rule of France. Atop the urn encircled by the wreath is a rampant lion applied in gold leaf in order to be the focal point of the entire design. Both gold and lions are associated with nobility and royalty, gold for its inherently precious quality and the lion for its place at the apex of power in the natural world. When the cabinet is opened the interior is revealed to have a shelf that effectively doubles the amount of available storage and makes the piece functional as well as appealing.

Dimensions:
Height: 35 in (88.9 cm)Width: 28.5 in (72.39 cm)Depth: 23.5 in (59.69 cm)
Style:
Neoclassical (Of the Period)
Materials and Techniques:
Paint,Gilt
Place of Origin:
Germany
Period:
1800-1809
Date of Manufacture:
circa 1800
Condition:
Wear consistent with age and use.
Seller Location:
Houston, TX
Reference Number:
Seller: DR121stDibs: LU86681947402