France, 15th/16th century

walnut, with a central cupboard above two linenfold carved drawers, restorations, the lower section with some typical rebuilding

Recorded by Chinnery (op. cit. 1979, p. 573) as being in the collection of Michel Dumez-Onof;
the a Private British Collection;
until sold Sotheby's Olympia, 18 November 2003, lot 414

Victor Chinnery, Oak Furniture The British Tradition, Woodbridge, 1979, p.341, fig.3:330.

This is a very atmospheric piece and it shows signs of its great age. There is evidence of worm and fragmenting throughout notably to the top right side and to the reverse. The cupboard top with replaced timber sections and some fragmenting. The plain back panels to the upright (below the blind tracery) probably later replacements. The tracery to the surmounting the top of the upright probably later. Fractured right back support. The reverse with some fragmented timber. Some separations and shrinkage to mouldings. There are many old spliced repairs with old marks and scratches throughout, entirely to be expected when the great age of the piece is considered. The lower section with rebuilding and it may be that the undertier shelf is later. All four legs with replaced, spliced sections. It has a lovely patina, gorgeous colour and has real presence. Acquired from Sotheby's Olympia, 18.11.03, lot 414.
"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."

The pantocrator mark of the orb surmounted by a crucifix is a symbol of Christ as ruler of the universe and suggests an association with an ecclesiastical building in the early life of this piece.

Representations of similar dressoir appear in late medieval manuscripts and paintings and are often portrayed within a high status interior or with an important individual. See a detail from Jean Mansel, La Fleur des Hystoire, 1500 (Bibliothéque nationale de France, ms. fr. 297, fol.1) which depicts a very similar dressoir complete with a display of plate to its upper tier. This image along with two others which feature similar finely carved dressoir (also at the bibliothéque nationale de France), Les faits et gestes d'Alexander and Renaud de Montauban, are both reproduced by Jacques Thirion, Le Mobilier du Moyen Age et de la Renaissance en France, Dijon, 1998, pp.40-41.