FRANCE ÉPOQUE HENRI II

FRANCE ÉPOQUE HENRI II
LITTLE TWO-BODY CABINET Île de France or Loire Valley, 16th century, circa 1560-1580 Blond

walnut Upper body: H. 78.5 cm, W. 89 cm, D. 45 cm Lower
body: H. 81.5 cm, W. 120 cm, D. 60 cm Total height - 160 cm
Original
locks and keys
Beautiful state of preservation
During the Renaissance of Henri II, the rigour of the composition imposed a limit to the exuberance of the decoration. This predilection for neatness and rigour is specific to this stylistic trend that was then emerging in the Ile-de-France region and the Loire Valley, where the composition is of "classical" inspiration, always harmonious and sober in reaction to the ultra-montane style that prevailed in other regions at the time.
This small cabinet with a recessed upper body, four doors and secret cornice presents a great unity and sobriety in its ornamentation consisting mainly of moulded panels embered into the frame, the same principle is applied on the sides with the additional presence of side handles in the lower and upper parts.
Our piece of furniture can be considered as specific of the realizations of this period, the decoration is limited to the moulding. Only the fluted pilasters with Ionic capitals in the upper part and Doric capitals in the lower part, which give rhythm to the facade, are a reminder of the Italian ornamental vocabulary, more particularly of the antique vein. In fact, French art, after having tried its hand at the ornamental repertoire offered by Italy, demonstrating an astonishing capacity for renewal, finally assimilates the lesson and stops at the solutions closest to its temperament. The difference in proportion between the upper and lower body is a bias taken by the huchier which in no way detracts from the general harmony, and is moreover quite common in the furniture of this period. The principle of construction and the assembly of this piece of furniture are of a remarkable quality.
The panels are shaded in the uprights, always assembled with a mitre cut, as well as the shelves, while the frieze has a mortise and tenon assembly.
The essence of its originality lies in the architectural rigour of its structure, in the elegance of the fluted pilasters surmounted by capitals of ionic spirit, and in the quality of the moulding of the panels sculpted in light relief. Balance, elegance and sobriety are combined with a very pronounced taste for architecture and the classical. Automatically translated by DeepL. To see the original version, click here.