Transition marquetry commode
Material: Rose heart, purple heart and satin veneer, marquetry of various types of wood and a marble top
Origin: France
Date: circa 1760 – 1770
Dimensions: height: 86 x110 x 55 cm
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Layette cupboard
Material: Oak, with walnut and rosewood
Origin: The Netherlands
Date: Circa 1675 – 1700
Dimensions: Height: 174 x 113 x 50 cm
This cupboard dated in 1650 was the highlight of the collection of John E. Visser (1916-2007) at the ‘Huys Anno 1642’ in Hoorn. The sculptural elements of this cupboard are of exceptional quality. The pediment in particular is decorated lavishly, with different figures, sea creatures and water related elements. Poseidon, god of the sea, is depicted riding a wagon led by seahorses. He carries ears of corn and a scythe, symbolizing prosperity and fertility. His wife Amphitrite is pictured on a hypocampus, surrounded by a dolphin and figures playing different musical instruments. Their son Triton is depicted blowing a horn. The pediment is divided into two parts by curled consoles. The lower drawer of the cupboard is decorated with plant motives and cherub heads.
The upper cupboard is decorated with three sculptures, symbolizing Faith, Hope and Love. The doors of the upper cupboard present us with two horizontal panels depicting Justice and Prudence. The images are centered within a cartouche. The middle of the cartouche is crowned with a lion mask, flanked by putto’s and the city coat of arms of Amsterdam and Hoorn.
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It is likely that this cupboard was made for a governing authority connected to water, because of the Dutch origin, the dating and the thematic decoration of the cupboard. The decoration consists of two city coats of arms as well as multiple ornaments connected to water. The different virtues that are symbolized by the sculptures that can be seen on the cupboard, refer to admirable governing qualities.
The decoration of this cupboard also shows some similarities with a cupboard residing in the Rijksmuseum. This cupboard belonged to J.A.Z. Graaf van Rechteren Limpurg, who’s family can be linked to several high positions within the governing of water during the 17th century. The cupboard is decorated with ships, seahorses tritons and nymphs. Besides the water related decorations, the cupboards also share the sculpted lions heads and festoons.
While there is no archival evidence yet, that connects our cupboard to a water governing authority, there are several signs that allude to this provenance. This cupboard does remain the only known example of its kind that contains depictions of two city coats of arms paired with a spectacularly sculpted aquatic scene.