A carved oak `Beeldenkast', Netherlandish first half 17th century

the cavetto cornice above a frieze carved with a band of seated classical female figures of Justice and one of Vanity amongst cherubs and scrolling foliage, above a pair of panelled cupboard doors depicting a seated female figure holding a book and cross, the other with Charity, interposed by female figures of the Virtues depicting Faith, Hope and Charity, the lower section with two doors, one with a female holding a parrot, one with Vanity, the others Justice and  Lucretia interposed by three male figures, two in Antique armour, the other with a sceptre and crown on demi-lune plinths one with a warrior by a fire, the central one with a seated musician playing a harp, the other with a horseman amongst drapery, above a long drawer carved with a cherub mask amongst scrolling foliage interposed by lion masks on flattened bun feet

Purchased in these Rooms as lot 49, The Art of Flanders, Sotheby's, London, 30th October 2002. 
 

 

Colour slightly less red overall, more natural and attractive than the photograph. Nice detail to carving. Old minor marks, chips and scratches commensurate with age. Overall restorations and alterations to the piece. The piece is basically 17th century, but appears to have been re-built at some stage, and thus includes later sections. Some of the feet of the figures have minor sections chipped off the front as visible from the photograph but this does not detract from the piece. There are cracks in the later ebonised bun feet. The overhanging cornice is coming apart at the joints and needs reattaching which can easily be done. Two rings are missing in the lions' jaws on the bottom drawer. There are some replacements to the mouldings especially on the upper section and the top is made up of later boards. Attractive, decorative piece.
"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."

Comparative Literature:
K. Sulyterman, Huisraad en Binnenhuis in Nederland, The Hague, 1947, p.161, ill.217.
R.J.Baarsen, Dutch Furniture 1600-1800, Amsterdam, 1993, p.24.
V. Champier, Le Mobilier Flamand, Paris,1925, pl. 39.
J. Van Herck, II Mobile Fiammingo, Milan, 1972, p.63

Four door cupboards with three or more fully sculpted figures are known as statue cupboards or beeldenkasten. The earliest example of this type bears a date of 1622. The three statues on the top row represent the three virtues- from left to right Faith (holding a book and keeping her hand on her chest), Charity (a mother with her children) and Hope (holding a dove and anchor). The figures on the lower half have not been identified with certainty, but they are thought to represent a central figure of Charles V flanked by warriors on either side. It is very rare to find cupboards with two rows of three sculptures, as most other beeldenkasten only have one row of three sculpted figures.

Cupboards such as the present piece were important commissions at the time and costly as the furniture maker has to surpass his more traditional way of working, in order to introduce the fine art of sculpting his creations. They are generally thought to be executed in Amsterdam and Hoorn, mainly by Antwerp craftsmen who fled to the area.