Renaissance Cabinets

This impressive Dutch Renaissance cabinet, known as a Gelderse kussenkast, was crafted around 1750 and stands firmly in the tradition of Dutch cabinetmaking. The piece is made entire...

This rare and rich decorated Renaissance dresser was made during the Dutch Golden age in the southern part of the Netherlands currently Belgium. It was made around 1670 and most likely in Antwerp. The dresser was made in the finest quality watered European oak and decorated geometric-shaped walnut veneer panels. The cabinet has two wide doors and two drawers above. The drawers are flanked by carved lion heads with brass rings. The right drawer is equipped with an authentic working lock and key. The doors are decorated with geometrical star-like walnut inlaid raised panels. The doors are flanked by large twisted Solomonic columns decorated with brass nails. The righthand door features its authentic lock and key with a brass ajour cut keyplate. The dresser has a wax finish with a great patina built up over 350 years. This piece of furniture was made by highly skilled craftsmen by the use of the best materials available. It is among the best furniture that was produced during the golden age and even now its craftsmanship is unprecedented. The dresser is highly original and in perfect shape for a piece of furniture over 350 years old. It was gently cleaned in our atelier and a new protective wax coat was applied. The Dutch golden age the 17th century was an important century for the Netherlands. The region separated from the Spanish Empire and formed its republic. Dutch merchants...

On offer here is an exceptional Spanish Renaissance bargueño, crafted in the mid 19th century, from solid chestnut wood. This masterpiece, with its warm brown color, exudes timeless ...

This beautiful carved Renaissance front section was a part of a built in cabinet. The carvings are typical for Bretagne area in France and it can be ...

This antique Dutch Renaissance cabinet was crafted in the southern Netherlands at the end of the 18th century, around 1780. It serves as a quintessential example of the furniture cra...

A beautiful late 18th century cabinet in the best quality solid oak. This is a typical 'kussenkast' or pillow cabinet. Pillow refers to the shape of the...

This extraordinary cabinet is made of the finest oak in the tradition of the Dutch Renaissance during the “Dutch golden age” This cabinet is made in ...

A scarce nearly 400 year old fine quality Italian Lombard ebony rosewood bone and ivory tabletop curiosity cabinet with warm rich beautifully aged patina and interesting provenance. ...

From Niagara Furniture a Bevan Funnell Vintage Breakfront in excellent, ready to use in your home, condition. Simple yet sophisticated this beautiful Bevan Funnell Vintage Breakfron...

16th Century Period Renaissance Tuscan Walnut Credenzino Italian 16th/17th century Renaissance walnut small Credenza with a rectangular top above a single drawer centered over a s...

Renaissance cabinet from Burgundy Or Lyon Region Origin : Burgundy Or Lyon, France Period : Second Half 16th Century, C. 1580 Height : 209cm Length : 184cm Depth : 71cm Good condition Walnut wood, original keys and keyholes Around the middle of the 16th century the conception and ornamentation of French furniture evolves. The start of major building projects, such as the castle of Fontainebleau, gives artists a new impulse. Inventive and rich formulas are developed there, before spreading to all of Europe thanks to engravings and printed leaflets. Furthermore, Italian artists working on such construction sites bring French artists and patrons a renewed taste for the Antique. Regarding the art of furnitures, the most complex scenes and figures are drawn from illustrated books, ornament and emblem compendiums and engraving compilations. Rather than copying those images the artisans feed their inspiration and decline the motifs in numerous variations. The ornamental grammar marks a return to the Antique : palm leaf, acanthus, egg-and-dart, greek, scroll, fluted pilaster… It is in Primaticcio’s and Il Rosso’s stuccos made around 1540-1550 that we have to look for the origin of leather cut-outs, masks, chimaeras, harpies, sheathed figures, fruit and flower garlands that soon enrich every pieces of French furniture. The structure of the pieces of furniture also evolve thanks to the re discovery of Antique architectures, rigorously used as a model. This cabinet presents an imposing structure and a rich and original decor exemplifying the production of the late 16th century, infused with Italian, Antique and Fontainebleau influences. It stands on a moulded base ornate with palm leaves. It opens with four door-leaves and two drawers in the belt. Six whimsical terms divide the facade. The lower body is horizontally divided by three sheathed female terms. The two standing on the lateral posts are topped with fruits while the body is covered by acanthus leaves carved with precision, belted at the waist. The term standing on the central door-jamb is crowned with laurel leaves and is draped in the Antique fashion. A wincing mask hides the key hole. The two door-leaves are centred by a beautiful mask carved in a strong relief. They wear stylised feathered headdress and are set on draperies. Straps, leather scrolls, acanthus leaves and a shell are spread around the masks. The recessed panels are secured in frames ornate with acanthus leaves. The belt is flanked by two large mouldings enriched with variations of acanthus leaves. The drawers are carved with choux bourguignons and palm leaf motifs minutely executed. The consoles between each drawer bear tormented wincing masks, showing horns as if they were fauns or imps. The upper body is framed by two male terms characterised by a strong and nervous musculature, their manhood hidden by drapes secured thanks to a winged lion head. The term on the left appears to be younger and is wincing while the one on the right has a beard. The central female term brings contrast with her youth and sensuality. As it is the case on the lower body, the key hole is hidden behind the mouth of a faun’s mask placed on the drapes barely covering the intimacy of the caryatid. The panels of the upper body present an idealised architecture comprising pilasters and sinuous broken pediments. The pilasters are flanked by two satyrs with goat legs. In the centre appears an important lion mask. The terms of the upper body support the cornice. The entablature carries palm leaves and roses alternating as well as an egg-and-dart frieze. The cornice is adorned with acanthus motifs. On the sides, the carving is executed flat. A central rose is surrounded by scrolls, flowers and choux bourguignons. We can admire the variety of the elements employed. The artist vary with great genius many different ornamental motifs : palm leaf, egg-and-dart, laurel leaf, roses, scrolls … But the artist went even further as each profile and each face is individualised and presents different features. You can take a look at the faces of the satyrs flanking the upper body’s panels. The talent of the artist is undeniable. It makes no doubt the patron who commissioned this cabinet was an aesthete looking for the greatest quality. The artist who authored this cabinet had a great mastery of composition both in the general design and in the individual panels. They probably drew inspiration from engravings and drawings made especially for the making of this piece of furniture or not. They seem to be familiar with the style of Jacques Androuet du Cerceau. Indeed, we can find in Du Cerceau’s engravings the same juxtapositions of leather cut-outs, masks and fruits. The terms and caryatids used on the facade could very well be inspired by his work as well. The cabinet-maker was also undoubtedly observant of Hugues Sambin, the most famous cabinet-maker and sculptor in the Burgundy of the time. Like Du Cerceau, Sambin left an important ensemble of models particularly useful for the design of cabinets. His publication De l’Oeuvre de la diversité des termes dont on use en architecture (1572) was an essential book for every artisan. All the motifs testify of the artisan’s high knowledge of forms as well as the precision of their tools : super imposition of ornamental elements, foliages, architectural cut-outs, flat and high reliefs alternating, palm leaves inscribed in circular spaces, wincing faces. It is also a testimony of the artisan’s familiarity with Italian and Fontainebleau productions. Because of the proficiency of the cabinet-maker in so many different models, this cabinet truly is a master-piece authored by the hand of an authentic master. The generous carvings executed with great rigour and virtuosity evoke an origin close to Burgundy and Lyon workshops. This cabinet was made by a master of the region during the Second French Renaissance. Literature BOCCADOR Jacqueline, Le mobilier français du Moyen-Âge à la Renaissance, Édition d’art Morelle Mayot, 1996 BOS Agnès (dir.), Mobilier du Moyen âge et de la Renaissance, La collection du musée du Louvre, Louvre éditions...

This extraordinary Utrecht “Poortkast” (portal cabinet) stands as one of the finest expressions of Dutch Renaissance furniture. Crafted in ...

A RARE RENAISSANCE WALNUT CABINET WITH ITS FREESTANDING CARVED COLUMNS ORIGIN : FRANCE, BURGUNDY PERIOD : 16th CENTURY Height : 218 cm Length : 152 cm Depth : 67.5 cm Walnut Thi...

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...

Crafted in Italy circa 1760, this rare walnut “studiolo” cabinet — also known as a Cabinet of Curiosities — represents the height of 18th century craftsmanship, inspired by the Renai...

This 18th century Italian walnut carved side cabinet commode is an exceptional example of fine craftsmanship and classical artistry. Hand-carved from rich walnut, the piece features ...

An early 17th century Augsburg miniature marquetry collector cabinet Dimensions: h. 18 cm, w. 19 cm, d. 14.5 cm. This charming little cabinet is inlaid on all sides with various nat...

A large and impressive 17th century European cabinet. Made in two parts, both with elaborate carved decoration and burled panels and details. The upper cabinet with heavy overhanging...

An astounding French Renaissance walnut cabinet with superb detailed carvings. This piece is not only striking but its large. The top has a v...

A most useful and decorative item, the mahogany Sheraton Showcase is produced using select solid mahogany and clear, thick glass, allowing visibility into the cabinet from all sides as well as from the top. Great quality construction is visible in the hand carved details which distinguish this glass and wood display cabinet...

This beautiful and friendly-sized cupboard is made of the finest watered oak in the tradition of the Dutch Renaissance during the “Dutch golden age” It is a two-story four-door cabin...

A high quality piece of office furniture from Niagara Furniture our Country Estate Two Drawer File is made from the finest burls available. The top of the cabinet is covered in a ful...

A Rare and Important Renaissance "Judaica" Carved Oak Wood Cabinet, circa 1680 We are pleased to present a rare and important Renaissance Judaica c...

As soon as 1540 France's second Renaissance is in the making, intimately linked to the rediscovery of the Antique world. The development of the printing and engraving industry allows the spread of artworks and models in many cities and countries. The Italian influence can be perceived in every artistic field. While the French king entrust the most talented Italian artists with major projects such as Il Rosso or Primaticcio in Fontainebleau, French artists also travel to Italy to form themselves to this new style. In Italy they get acquainted with the work of Leo Battista Alberti the first to theorize perspective (De Pictura, 1435-36) and architecture (De re oedificatoria, 1541). Those two publications would have a revolutionary impact on arts. Furniture is marked by the work of the most famous Italian architects of the time as well as French architects. Indeed Philibert de l'Orme competes with Alberti and by the end of his life publishes several treaties including one devoted to a theory of architecture (1567). Unfortunately he would not live to complete the second volume. In this treaty he expresses his interest for mathematical norms applied to architecture, copied from the Antique. His journeys in Italy allowed him to accumulate the most sophisticated references. Jean Bullant, another architect of great talent also theorizes his practice. He establishes rules characterizing Greco-Roman art staying faithful to Vitruvius. Following this new inspiration the structure of furniture evolves. From then on appear columns, capitals, cornices, friezes and architraves. The ornamentation uses this inspiration as well with egg-and-dart, palm leaf and rose adorning the most beautiful pieces. In Lyon, crossroad where meet merchants from everywhere those new experiments are welcomed. Lyon florishing printing industry allows the spreading of models and treaties essential to the artist's work. Thus the first publication of Vitruvius' De Architectura in France would be printed in Lyon in 1532. Artists from Lyon rediscover and familiarize themselves with the Antique knowledge very early. They adopt those new ideas and use them in their own creations. Lyon cabinet-makers re interpret Antique architecture and Italian Renaissance palaces to give their pieces a pure and harmonious architectural structure. Grooved pilasters are particularly favored. They are topped by capitals of diverse orders always respecting the sequencing with simpler ones for the lower levels and the richest ones on the higher levels. As for the ornamentation, one of the great distinctiveness of Lyon workshops remains the architectural perspective illusions, drawing inspiration from Tuscany. True masterpiece of the Second French Renaissance this important cabinet illustrates Lyon workshops' taste for fine Italian architecture inspired by Antiquity. An architectural perspective of great quality is treated in symmetry on each panel. This two-bodied cabinet without recess stands on four rectangular feet. The base comprises a molding, a palm leaf frieze and is bordered by a braid. The lower body is divided by three grooved pilasters with Tuscan capitals framing two door-leaves. The two panels are encircled by a moudled frame with palm leaves. They are finely carved with a decor of fantasized architecture depicting an Italian Renaissance palace erected symmetrically on each side of a grooved pilaster. On the ground floor a door opens through a stilted arch while the stories are opened with mullioned windows, dormers and occuli. Two large pegged-boss cladded pillars support the entablature enriched by a palm leaf frieze upon which stands an arch whose coffered intrados is centred by a rose. Behind this arch a pyramid appears, standing in front of a second facade with a window topped by a broken curvilinear pediment under a cul-de-four with a shell. The checker flooring gives depth to the low-reliefs creating vanishing points structuring the panels and guiding the eye of the observer. A thin laurel braid highlights the belt of the cabinet where are located two drawers. Their facades are adorned by palm leaves in hoops. The upper body is encircled with palm leaves. The same ternary division as in the lower body appears. However, the pilasters are topped by Ionic capitals with volutes and egg-and-dart. The door-leaves are framed with flowers. On the panels the artist has designed another architectural decor. On the foreground open two arches on top of grooved pilasters with rectangular capitals adorned with palm leaves. The arches are enriched with braids and the coffered intrados bears a decor of roses. The spandrels also bear a flower decor. In the background another arcature hosts a fluted grooved column topped with double basket acanthus capital, characteristic of Corinthian order. The triangular pediment is interrupted by a choux bourguignon. A large cornice crowns the cabinet. It stands on pilasters and forms an entablature comprising a palm leaf frieze and an egg-and-dart, triglyph and palm leaf cornice. The cabinet's sides have also been carefully considered. The lower body's panels are enriched with an arch rising above a broken pediment portico hosting a twisted column. Flowers garnish the spandrels. An architectural facade completes the decor. The upper body's panels present two arches supported by a facade opened with dormers and mullioned windows as well as cartouches (one bears the inscription 1580 dating the cabinet) suggesting the interior of an Italian Renaissance palace, confirmed by the chandeliers. The flooring leads our gaze to a second arch with a broken curvilinear pediment where stands a flower vase. This arch opens onto a perspective of another facade along a road. Inside the cabinet, on the lower body door-leaves appear two designs. On the right door is depicted a Crucifixion. Saint Mary and Saint John flank the Christ on the cross. In the bottom part is inscribed « Dure uiator abis nihil haec spectacula curas / Pendenti cum sis unica cura Deo. / Tota suo moriente dolet natura Magistro. / Nil qui solus eras caussa dolenda doles. ». The signature [Christoff Swartz Monachiensis pinx[it] / Ioa[nnes] Sadeler sculp[it]] tells us it was made by Johan Sadeler I (1550-1600) after Christoph Schwartz (1548-1592). This engraving belongs to an ensemble depicting the Passion of Christ Johan Sadeler executed in 1589 after an altar piece painted by Christoph Schwartz for the private chapel of Renée of Loraine, wife of Duke William V of Bavaria. This altar piece made of nine copper panels has been destroyed during the 19th century. The Crucifixion panel once in the centre of the altar piece is the only one that survived and is today kept in Munich's Alte Pinakothek. On the left door appears Saint Francis receiving the stigmata. The inscription says : « Signastidomine Servum Tuum. Franciscum. Signis Redemptionis Nostrae ». This Renaissance cabinet with an architectural decor appearing as much in the structure faithful to Antique rules...

A Vintage Henkel Harris Two Piece Breakfront brought to you by Niagara Furniture. This china closet is impressive in both it’s desig...

Exceptional Genoese cabinet called stipo "a bambocci" from the Italian Renaissance in walnut from the end of the 16th century with its original base Museum quality piece Provenance:...

A Spanish Renaissance walnut spice cabinet from circa 1680 with abundant foliage carved décor. This captivating Spanish Renaissance walnut spice cabinet, dating to circa 1680, enchan...

An impressive dry bar / tv cabinet reclaimed from The Plaza Hotel of NYC in the 1990s. Drawing inspiration from French and Italian styling. A tall case made from mahogany with mirrored beveled hutch doors. This stately piece would have been used within one of the hotel suites. Features an ornately carved crown, chamfered stiles, applied foliate and cabriole legs. Opens via brass acorn hardware...

Display case on lion's paws, Germany, early 19th century of the twentieth century. Very good condition. Wood: walnut dimensions height 171 cm width 149 cm depth 42 cm

Walnut with verde antico marble inlay, with two wholly carved draped female allegorical figures within arched recesses, and a bas-relief on the central door. Rich and heavily carved...

An extraordinary Renaissance Period walnut small side cabinet with fruitwood inlay detail. Of museum quality, in remarkable original condition (has not been reconstructed in any way)...

The Round Tray Top Mahogany Display Table from Niagara Furniture is an exercise in elegance. The sweeping mahogany legs are created by hand and support the table’s finely carved ski...

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

18th Century French Renaissance Cabinet with Carrara Marble will make a great addition to any efficient floor plan! Crafted from solid old-growth chestnut, it features a neoclassica...

This Renaissance style vitrine cabinet is a stunningly beautiful masterpiece in white oak with superb carvings and detail. Note the fourteen carved figures, lion's heads and other su...

This late nineteenth century French Henri II vitrine is constructed of hand-carved walnut and features beveled glass on three sides. Hand carved acanthus leaves detail the sides and ...

Very elegant Italian Renaissance style drinks dry bar cabinet with beautiful carved walnut wood, slant central door and nicely shaped bottom pedestal stand. The piece has all around ...

Original lock and key This piece of furniture shows no recess on its upper part. It opens with four folding-doors and two drawers within the belt. The key bears the date 1524 above cross motifs. Burgundy and Lyon regions subordinated themselves to architecture in a different manner than the other french schools. Rather than using particularly columns and pediments pieces of furniture from Lyon borrow architecture’s organization principles and rigorous designs. On the upper body a strong feeling of balance and symmetry appears with the folding doors reliefs. Swags of flowers and fruits held with knot cloth centered by a man seating on his arms. Here profiles, masks and chou de Bourgogne mingle with the structuring scrolls. The two lateral terms wear draperies and the goddess Diana in the center wears a belt of fruits similar to Hugue Sambin’s designs (Termes de Diane et de Venus, 1554, BNF). The two palm-leaves enriched drawers and the alternating scrolls belt balance the weight of the cornice with its alternatings consoles and tops. The lower body is also adorned by three terms with a feminine one in the center, all three are wearing fruits on their heads. The folding doors are centered upon a motif of cut cuirs by a mask in high relief. Wearing a feathered tiara...

This rare Renaissance cabinet is richly decorated on the doors and drawers with carvings depicting the four seasons, and on the uprights and the entablature, alternating flower bouquets inlaid with mother of pearl. This is a beautifully conceived piece of furniture, representing a crowned portico with its entablature and cornice. The upper body Articulated separately in a ternary rhythm, as with the lower body, the upper part opens with two carved doors. The doors are framed by both the lateral uprights and the casing. There are cartouches carved into the casing in which mythological figures are depicted with flower bouquets. On the doors: On the right: Spring, a female figure crowned with a wreath of leaves, holding a basket full of flowers. She is wearing necklaces and bracelets on each arm, with drapery discretely wrapped around her body and is standing on a winged putti’s head. On each side are depicted a tree and a village with a steepled church. Above her head floats the three signs of the zodiac corresponding to the season: Aries, Taurus and Gemini. On the left: Summer, a bearded man crowned with ears of corn and bearing armfuls of corn. He is standing on a similar winged putti, flanked by a tree and an ear of corn. The following three signs of the zodiac appear: Cancer, Leo and Virgo. On the uprights and the central casing a number of smaller figures seem to represent virtues and vices that newly wedded couples should aspire to and avoid. On each side, at the bottom of the uprights, there is a dog representing fidelity. Above, a lion embodies power, wisdom, and justice. In between, on the left upright, there is a figure of noncombatant Athena wearing a helmet and holding a spear, an arrow pointing down and in her left hand, a shield, symbol of protective power. On the right upright, the goddess Venus controls the arrow of Cupid. The iconography here acts as a clear reminder of the required virtues that both parts of a young couple need to fulfill: fidelity, power, wisdom and justice. For him, the goddess Athena focuses on the power. Whereas for her, it is Venus who shows how to control Cupid’s arrow. On the central casing at the bottom, by way of contrast, there is a peacock, a symbol of pride and at the top, a monkey representing lust and mischief. In between, a woman holding a chain and a cup full of precious stones while on the floor sits a half empty opened casket. This can be interpreted as a symbol of extravagance. Above, the entablature, decorated with male figures resting on leaking urns, may symbolize the passing of time. They are flanked by two consoles decorated with acanthus leaves and separated by flower bouquets (inlaid with mother of pearl). Finally on top, a cornice acts as a crown for the piece of furniture. The lower body The moulded base stands on four round, flattened feet. Represented on the doors: On the left: Autumn, a stocky, naked man crowned with vine leaves, holding fruits in his right hand and with his left, picking a bunch of grapes from a climbing vine. Standing on a mound, he is surrounded by a vine and a hill, at the foot of which a man presses the grapes in a big vat after the harvest. Above the climbing vine appear the signs of Libra, Scorpio and Sagittarius. On the right: Winter, an elderly man wearing a fur cloak...

Antique mahogany cabinet from around 1880 with decoration and round legs. H: 187.5 cm, W: 73 cm, D: 49 cm. Classic Danish joinery. — Origin: Europe (presumably Denmark) — Period: Ar...

A highly functional and decorative piece this Country Estate Four Drawer File cabinet from Niagara Furniture is made with fine quality burled wood. The top of the cabinet is covered ...

Antique Spanish Renaissance Figural Carved Oak Wood 2 Pc Religious Cupboard Cabinet. Item features solid wood two part construction, carving that reads "Anno 1654" to crest, carved f...

Antique French carved oak storage cabinet Renaissance Roman Centurion 19th cent ~Direct from the Brittany region of France, an ornately hand carved an...

Rare carved Renaissance cabinet Period : 2nd half 16th century, ca. 1570 Origin : France, Burgundy or Languedoc This cabinet embody the produ...

The lower part It stands on an ogee molded base and four feet with two front legs more massive and detailed than the others. It opens with two doors and three drawers. The vert...

This late nineteenth century French Henri II style walnut buffet deux corps features a hand carved cherub with wings at the crown. With solid paneled...

This magnificent and rare 19th century Renaissance grand cabinet with vitrines features intricate decorations heavily carved into the solid walnut wood. There are massive carved wood...

From a Norman manor house of the 16th century this very nice double trunk with four-door buffet decorated with inlaid hearts for the upper part and geometric motifs in the lower part...

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...

Bargueño writing desk, cabinet in walnut tipical from Portugal. This sort of early chest of drawers were use for papers and documents, it was used as a transportable writing desk. ...

This fantastic two-piece 17th-century oak cupboard was made in Antwerp, Flanders, circa 1680. It consists of two pieces, a lower and an upper cabinet. The lower cabinet can be used w...

This rare Dutch cabinet is made of the finest oak in the tradition of the Dutch Renaissance during the “Dutch golden age” This cabinet is made in t...

Antique Italian Pietra Dura Hardstone Wood Ormolu Cabinet on Stand Italian, Late 19th Century Height 227cm, width 141cm, depth 46cm Rich in detail and craftsmanship, this magnific...

A rare carved walnut wardrobe opening with four door-leaves and two drawers in the lower part. The doors bear architectural views in low reliefs, fluted pilasters and Ionic capitals. Upper Body Two door-leaves with carved architectural perspectives open the wardrobe framed by three fluted pilasters with Ionic capitals. Each door-leaf depict two semi-circular arcades whose cornice and base shows a central vanishing point. Likewise the pavement’s lines act for the artisan as a way to create depth. The vaulting instead leads us to think the vanishing point has to be situated where the handle is, between the two complementaries reliefs. The elegant moulded belt hides an internal secret space, accessible through a moveable plank in the upper body. Lower Body Two door-leaves identical to those of the upper body framed by three fluted pilasters with Doric capitals. The base of the wardrobe opens with two large drawers. The sides also bear panels depicting architectural perspectives. The external pilasters share their Ionic capital with the facade’s pilasters. Thus we can observe on the wardrobe’s sides the capital’s lateral parts with the elegant volute specific to the Ionic order. This palace wardrobe is topped by an overlapping cornice standing on three consoles for the facade and two consoles on each sides. Placed right above the pilasters each console are adorned by fully expanded leaves. During the 15th century a major interest for architecture and perspective studies arises and influences patrons tastes. The work of great theorists such as Leon Battista Alberti...

Presenting an absolutely stunning 16th century carved Spanish oak writing desk and cabinet, with amazing provenance and historical and literary significance. This desk/cabinet was purchased by a wealthy Dallas family from a French antique auction held at the club room in the Stoneleigh court (hotel), Dallas on Wednesday the 2nd April 1930. (Now the meridian hotel). The auction was titled: “works of art and furnishings of the Chateau de Turique (Nancy) and the Conde-Rougemont home (Touraine). The cover of the catalog also has a seal of a coat of arms. The second page gives a brief description of the auction contents and states that " this exhibition will be presented by M. Fernand M. Adda of Paris France". The desk/cabinet was lot no: 565 and was described in the auction catalog as: "Carved Spanish writing desk and cabinet...... 16th century period....Upper section a cabinet with two doors which are paneled and display a fine carving. The interior is fitted with eight engraved drawers, and a writing tablet is disclosed in the lower portion. Sustained and central arcade of columns. From Fontana Rosa collection. Supported on four turned legs with bulbous feet." Fontana Rosa is a historic garden situated on the avenue Blasco Ibáñez in Menton, Alpes-Maritimes, on the French Riviera. The Spanish writer Vicente Blasco Ibanez (1869-1928) began to build it from 1922 on, and he set up home here with his second wife, Elena, and died there in 1928. Vicente Blasco Ibanez was a journalist, politician and best-selling Spanish novelist in various genres whose most widespread and lasting fame in the English-speaking world is from Hollywood films adapted from his works. The provenance is impeccable, it belonged to Ibanez and was part of his collection at Fontana Rosa when he died in 1928. The auction in which it was first sold in Dallas was in 1930, which makes perfect sense from a 'timeline' point of view. Ibanez is a very important literary figure. Having regard to the fact that this is a writing desk means that in all probability, Ibanez would have 'penned' some of his famous works at this very desk and using the surviving slope/shelf. Fontana Rosa is a historic garden situated on the Avenue Blasco Ibáñez in Menton, Alpes-Maritimes, on the French Riviera. The Spanish writer Vicente Blasco Ibáñez (1869-1928) began to build it from 1922 on, and he set up home here with his second wife, Elena, and died there in 1928. This garden with Spanish and Menton pottery is found in avenue Blasco Ibanez, near Garavan station, and was created a Historical Monument in 1990. It is also called “Le Jardin des Romanciers” (El Jardín de los Novelistas/The Garden of Novelists), and was frequented by celebrities such as Jean Cocteau. It was the place where Blasco Ibáñez wrote Mare Nostrum, a novel filmed later in 1926. The garden inspired by Andalusian and Arabian-Persian styles contains species such as Ficus macrophylla, Araucaria heterophylla , palm trees, banana trees or scented rosebushes. It is a tribute to Vicente’s favourite writers : Cervantes, Dickens, Shakespeare or Honoré de Balzac, whose busts can be found at the entrance and to whom he dedicated several fountains and rotundas. Its main buildings are a small elevated villa with polychromatic pottery which houses a library and a personal movie projector...

Italy / 16th Century / Cabinet / walnut / Renaissance / Antique Rare 16th Century Italian Renaissance cabinet in walnut with hand carved decorations of 3 heads and floral patterns f...

A 17th-18th Century French/Italian Renaissance Walnut Figural Carved Credenza Cabinet or Cupboard. The two-part cabinet with a pair of upper coffered doors with metal key-hole hardwa...

A rare and unusual antique Italian walnut table-top cabinet (now also wall hanging cupboard), 17th century and later elements, with handsome warm rich dark patina and interesting pro...

What a wonderful piece, full of character with the ornaments at the base and the putties carved in the wood.

16th Century Italian Renaissance Painted Marble Lacquer Wooden Cabinet (1500s) An extraordinary Italian Renaissance wooden cabinet from the 1500s awaits the discerning collector. Thi...