Coffer

Unknown

mid-17th century · Pine veneered with ebony and macassar ebony; padauk wood; painted alabaster; ivory; mirror glass · European Sculpture and Decorative Arts

In contrast to the severe black ebony exterior, the cabinet’s interior is more colorful and has several surprising components. The inside is embellished with alabaster plaques painted with monochrome landscapes. Within the central compartment is a five-sided recess with a tiled floor known as a perspectiefje (little perspective), a space used to place a small, treasured object that could be admired from all sides in the mirrors. Such coffers were used for the storage of valuables or jewelry.

Artist

Unknown

Date

mid-17th century

Medium

Pine veneered with ebony and macassar ebony; padauk wood; painted alabaster; ivory; mirror glass

Culture

Dutch

Department

European Sculpture and Decorative Arts

Credit line

Gift of Audrey B. Love, in memory of her husband, C. Ruxton Love Jr., 1975