Cabinet on stand
Jan van Mekeren
ca. 1700–1710 · Oak veneered with rosewood, olivewood, ebony, holly, tulipwood, barberry and other partly green-stained marquetry woods · European Sculpture and Decorative Arts
Box-like cabinets on open stands became fashionable towards the end of the seventeenth century. Rather than on the overall shape, the attention of the cabinetmaker was lavished on exquisite marquetry decoration, especially blomwerk (floral work). The most striking floral marquetry has been attributed to Jan van Meekeren. More than two hundred flowers embellish this cabinet, several of which occur more than once, sometimes in reverse. By choosing bright yellow woods like barberry for daffodils, for instance, and by enhancing lighter woods with natural dyes, Van Mekeren achieved a rich and naturalistic palette not unlike those of contemporary flower painters.
- Artist
- Jan van Mekeren
- Date
- ca. 1700–1710
- Medium
- Oak veneered with rosewood, olivewood, ebony, holly, tulipwood, barberry and other partly green-stained marquetry woods
- Culture
- Dutch, Amsterdam
- Department
- European Sculpture and Decorative Arts
- Credit line
- Ruth and Victoria Blumka Fund, 1995
