Description
Elegant cabinets made of polished ebony, a black wood from Africa or India, were prized at the French court during the reign of King Louis XIII (1601-43) as works of art as well as places to keep precious possessions. The exterior of this one is carved with reliefs depicting moralizing scenes from Greek and Roman mythology.
In contrast, the playful interior is like a theater set replicating the intricate architecture of a grand residence. Alcoves and false vistas of Roman ruins create shifting perspectives complemented by the inlay pattern of the floor. In the "ceiling" painting, Icarus falls to his death, because the wax he used to attach the wings to his back melted when he flew too near the sun. The drawers are carved with everyday activities from each month in a farmer's year, beginning with January, represented by idle peasants carousing before a fire.

Cabinet with Mythological Scenes
Conservation
Damages consolidated and inpainted
Date | Description | Narrative |
---|---|---|
6/15/1954 | Treatment | cleaned; repaired; coated |
5/03/1960 | Treatment | cleaned; loss compensation |
12/01/1964 | Treatment | repaired; loss compensation |
3/15/1988 | Treatment | repaired; cleaned |
4/08/1988 | Examination | examined for condition |
11/11/1988 | Examination | examined for condition |
11/15/1989 | Examination | examined for condition |
5/09/1993 | Examination | examined for condition |
5/25/1993 | Examination | examined for condiition |
1/01/1996 | Examination | examined for survey |
8/13/1996 | Examination | examined for condition |
10/01/2005 | Treatment | cleaned; coated; repaired; loss compensation |
8/02/2019 | Treatment | inpainted |
Exhibitions
- World of Wonder. The Walters Art Gallery, Baltimore. 1971-1972.
- Highlights from the Collection. The Walters Art Gallery, Baltimore. 1998-2001.
Provenance
Baron de Boisseau, prior to 1876; Henry Walters, Baltimore [date and mode of acquisition unknown]; Walters Art Museum, 1931, by bequest.
Credit
Acquired by Henry Walters
Creator
- French (Artist)
Period
1630-1650 (Baroques)Medium
wood (ebony) veneer, marquetry of various woods and bone, wood, gilded bronze mounts, dyed ivory, and paint(Wood)
Accession Number
65.19Measurements
75 9/16 x 69 5/16 in. (192 x 176 cm)Geographies
- France (Place of Origin)