Small Henri II cabinet with a feather quill decor

Good condition

Because of its small format this cabinet is a rare piece of furniture. Comprising two slightly recessed superimposed bodies the cabinet opens with four door-leaves and two drawers in the belt.

It’s architectural rigour and purity of line are characteristics of the period Henri II. At the beginning of the French king’s reign (1547-1549) furniture adopts a perfect architecture enriched by a very sober decor comprising feather quill, roses or winged angel heads.

Cabinet-makers become architects and the harmony of their creations is at the center of their preoccupations. From this attention to proportions appear refined pieces of furniture presenting pure lines.

This cabinet stands on a faintly moulded base. The jambs are adorned with foliage and flank two door-leaves with panels inserted in mitre-cut assembled moudled frames. Panels are centered by a four-petal flower surrounded by feather quills, symmetrically arranged around individually shaped roses.

The three consoles and drawers in the belt received the same vegetal and feather ornamentation.

The upper body presents a similar decor, only the flower design changes. The entablature is divided by three women’s heads set on draperies and flanked by five leaves.

The sculptor has given this cabinet a uniform and symmetrical decor bringing variety solely through flower and leaf designs. The decor is completed by punched flower motifs.

With its perfect architectural structure, its beautiful harmony of proportions, its simplicity of lines and its sobriety in the well executed decor this cabinet truly is a refined piece of furniture.