Jan & John Maggs
Antiques and Art
An imposing early 17th-century court cupboard
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A large piece built, like many other examples from the period, in two sections in a nearly-square plan, unified by details of carving, moulding, and construction.
The upper section is framed by a carved frieze, two large, highly ovaled turned posts, and a shallow shelf. Within this frame are a pair of joined doors each holding a rectangular panel, decorated with four demilunes containing foliage around a central rosette. Behind the doors is a spacious cupboard, divided invisibly at its center by a thin board. The central panel is carved with another foliate design and is flanked by two carved stiles. The cumulative effect of the carving is lavish and visually appealing.
The base contains many unifying elements, including the three vertical stiles with foliate carving and an arch at their tops, the arabesques of the frieze, here applied to the two drawers, and the rosette from the upper doors, here applied to the framing of the drawers. Inside the base is a large compartment, with a shelf near its middle. The two large doors are of complex design, each with a dense row of stop fluting.
The sides of both sections are simply framed: a single panel above, and two smaller, horizontal panels below. This curiosity must be noted: The left-hand side of the piece is decorated with applied Gothic style mouldings, while the right-hand side is undecorated. The Gothic arches suggest that the cupboard may have been made for a church, and its undecorated side suggests that it may have been intended for a corner of the sacristy. The back is covered with rough-sawn oak boards, and their surface and condition confirm the integrity of the cupboard.
The piece is in very good condition, with few replacements or repairs. The mortises for the pin hinges of the upper doors have been reinforced with interior iron plates, and the lower doors are now hinged with iron butts. All four doors are fully functional. The lower left corner of the back was damaged by dry rot at some point. There is a patch to one of the backboards, and the foot has been tipped. The pulls on all doors and drawers have been replaced.
English, ca. 1620 - 40
Width: 64 ⅜”; Depth: 23 ⅜”; Height to shelf: 43 ¼”; Overall height: 65 ⅜”
Price: $3,250
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Inventory #27138
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