M. Markley Antiques

Antique Chests - Item 4105
Gothic Chest or Cabinet

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Item 4105	Gothic Chest or Cabinet
Dimensions	Width 61; Height 30½; Depth 18 (in inches)
Wood	Solid oak
Country	France
Date	Circa 1900
Description	The front panels on this cabinet or chest were so exceptional in their Gothic design, that we knew we would have to buy it when we first saw it in rural France! Much cabinetry one finds today and considered antique (at least 100 years old), has had structural damage that has caused the frame to be discarded. But the decorative elements, especially carved panels have survived, since they were not in contact with the ground and so did not decay away due to moisture or insects. We believe that such a spirit of preservation motivated the creator of this piece. The relative newness of the frame, but the clear age of the front panels constitutes what the French call a mariage, a combination of the new and the old resulting in a functional piece of furniture while preserving the artistry of the past. There are two doors on the front, but there appear to be four because of the way the panels are paired.  These are quite a bit older than the rest of the cabinet, and may pre-date the French revolution when much ecclesiastical furniture, not to mention churches, was destroyed. The four oak panels display the classic Gothic fenestrage or tracery that mimics cathedral windows and involves tall lancets with a central rosace. Each rosace is unique and in line with medieval thought that no two things can be identical (only God can make a perfect replica). There are Gothic spires at the tops of the two columns that divide the two doors. In addition, there are three columns that are Italianate in design with twisted fluting and carved capitals at the top. The side panels are of the traditional linen-fold motif. The base is a detailed architectural moulding on the three sides that are visible. An unusual feature of this piece is a semi-secret panel that runs the length of the rear portion of the top, and is about 5¼" wide. When this panel is opened, it reveals a hidden space the size of the opening on the top (about 5¼" x 60") that is as deep as the cabinet is high. Ideal for storing wide and thin items like paintings, drawings, large photos or treasure maps, it is tempting to speculate what might have dwelled there and remained safe from wars and thieves. The piece is very heavy due to it's solid oak construction, and is in excellent condition, being recently refinished. Our best estimate is that the rest of the cabinet was constructed around the Gothic panels, perhaps in the last century.
Reference	Boccador, Jacqueline, Le Mobilier Français du Moyen Age à la Renaissance, Editions d'Art Monelle Hayot (Saint-Just-en-Chaussée, 1988); Etude Tajan, Haute Epoque (Catalogue for Sale at Auction on September 24, 2003 at the Hôtel Drouot, Paris); Thirion, Jacques, Le Mobilier du Moyen Age et de la Renaissance en France (Editions Faton, Dijon, 1998)
Uses	Its appearance recalls the high middle ages and it lends an unmistakable flair to interiors that are seeking to recreate the country house, castle or chateau look. In terms of size, it is ideal for placing behind a sofa, but it would lend its magic to any home with an exceptional décor.