18th Century, Louis XIV Wood Coin Cabinet With Gilded Bronze And Turtle

18th Century, Louis XIV Wood Coin Cabinet with gilded bronze and turtle
Measures with base H 145 x 127 x 45 cm; only cabinet H 62 x W 114 x D 37 cm

This particular coin cabinet was made in the early 18th century in the north of Europe in ebonized wood, with turtle inserts and applications in gilded bronze finely chiselled. It has two series of four drawers, covered with turtle inserts, each with reserves composed of small circular bronze applications.
In the center, a door is covered in turtle and divided into two sections. In the upper one inside the tarsias that create geometric effects, there are applications in gilded bronze with ornamented phytomorphs. In the middle, in gilded bronze, a winged shield on which rests a crown was the place for the engraving of the family name to which the object belonged. In the lower part of the door is proposed the architecture of a temple: columns with bronze capitals, bronze friezes with floral ornaments and fruit, cherubs and fantasy animals, masks and, placed inside a niche, is inserted the golden bronze sculpture of the goddess Minerva. Roman deity, is committed to supporting the heroic virtues, in defense of the right war, but also wisdom, strategy, protector of craftsmen. She is usually depicted as a young female warrior, with shield, helmet, spear and armor. Inside this central door there are six drawers and two shelves: valuable the finish of the bronzes and the wood of the interior. The opening hinge hardware is original.
The coin cabinet rests on small round feet.
The table is made of wood, with six twisted legs, crosspieces that join the spherical feet. Applications in gilded and chiselled bronze with masks.