1700~ / 1710~, Amsterdam

1700~ / 1710~, Amsterdam

Identifier
1995.371a, b
Transfer of custody
Victoria and Albert Museum
Acquisition
Ruth and Victoria Blumka Fund, 1995
Collection
Technique
Depiction
Production time
Production place
Type of object

Description

Box-like cabinets on open stands became fashionable towards the end of the seventeenth century. Rather than on the overall shape, the attention of the cabinetmaker was lavished on exquisite marquetry decoration, especially blomwerk (floral work). The most striking floral marquetry has been attributed to Jan van Meekeren. More than two hundred flowers embellish this cabinet, several of which occur more than once, sometimes in reverse. By choosing bright yellow woods like barberry for daffodils, for instance, and by enhancing lighter woods with natural dyes, Van Mekeren achieved a rich and naturalistic palette not unlike those of contemporary flower painters.