Gothic cupboard

Exhibition
Musée Cantini, 1952, L'art du Moyen-Age dans les collections marseillaises, n°142

Provenance
Ancienne collection Lehmann
Ancienne collection L.-P. Bresset


As it is common for Medieval furnishing this cupboard presents a robust building joined by mortise and tenon. It opens frontally with two door-leaves secured by two hinges. Each door-leaf is composed of four recessed panels enriched by linen-folds carvings. The delicate drawing of the linen-folds’ carvings brings an air of elegance to the cupboard. The lateral sides are also adorned with four linen-folds carved panels.

During the 15th century furnishing adopts motifs drawing inspiration from architecture or choose more sober ornaments such as the linen-folds. Many varieties exist playing with the number of folds, the lines, the volume, etc.

This cupboard is a fine example of what cabinet-makers from the late Medieval period were able to achieve. The sober and strong building, the refinement of the ornaments, its proportions and quality of execution, everything participates in the appeal of this piece.


Bibliography
Jaques Thirion, Le mobilier du Moyen-Age et de la Renaissance en France, Edition Faton, 1998