Museum number
1994.13.1-2
Object
Cabinet on stand, probably Dutch, oak veneered with various woods, about 1670 with later stand
Description
1994.13.2. Two-door cabinet in two sections on open stand, the carcase veneered in walnut with floral marquetry decoration. Top section: stepped, moulded cornice above a cushion-moulded drawer section decorated with marquetry floral decoration of symmetrical form with scrolled acanthus at centre. Sides: decorated with marquetry of an exotic bird among flowers upon acanthus leaves, as are inside of doors. Door fronts: decorated with floral marquetry, symmetrical lower arrangement with small birds and acanthus, randomly arranged lilies, tulips and carnations above, all within stylised acanthus border. Base moulded and stepped to sit on stand. Interior: fitted with drawers below door. Drawers have crude foliate mount with ring handle in brass, door has lion and unicorn moulded ormolu lock-plate: outer doors have similar lock-plates but with two lions, brass sliding bars top and bottom on left door. Inside door decorated with group of tulips and flowers in marquetry as are four drawers inside. Stand: formed of upper section with sliding drawer, -oth decorated with symmetrical floral marquetry, supported on six barley-twist legs on a later oblong stepped base (made in 1920s while the piece was being converted at the Victoria & Albert Museum). Drawer has two ormolu drop-handles and a similar lockplate to the main doors
Materials
Walnut
Inscription
None
On display?
Yes

Further description

Simple name
Cabinet
Subject
Floral
Dimensions
regular: 111.0cm (h) x 167.5cm (w)
Cabinet on stand Dutch or French Oak veneered with marquetry of various woods, about 1670 with later stand The interior of this cabinet is fitted with drawers and a central cupboard. The cupboard encloses small drawers and secret compartments also decorated with floral marquetry and grotesque masks. The cabinet is reputed to have been acquired by John Churchill, 1st Duke of Marlborough (1650–1722) and was later owned by Princess Sophia (1777–1848), daughter of George III. It was sold on her death to Mrs Angelina Ellis, née Churchill, in whose family it remained until acquired by the Museum. 1994.13 Given by Miss Barbara Ellis, 1994

Please help us improve our records. Let us know if there are any errors by writing to curators@holburne.org