In the early seventeenth century, Florence and Augsburg were among the richest cities in the world. The extraordinary Rathaus (town hall) of Augsburg, completed in 1620, has a Florentine inspiration. The most sumptuous furniture made in Augsburg received a similar influence.
On December 5 in London, Bonhams sells an ebony cabinet made in Augsburg, lot 20 estimated £ 400K.
This architectural shaped piece of furniture was designed as a table top. Its proportions are perfect: 85 cm in height and width, 40 cm in depth. With more than 40 drawers and compartments, it is a Kunstkammer conceived to store a collection of curiosities. The secret compartments are so cleverly hidden that some of them may still have to be rediscovered.
The luxury of materials and the details of the decorations are exceptional. Plaques in pietre dure certainly come from the Galleria dei Lavori which was the Ducal Florentine workshop. The woods for the veneers are carefully selected and lapis lazuli is also used. Silver is rarer than usual : the risk of oxidation was an excuse to overcome its shortage following the Thirty Years War.
The furniture is signed, which is rare at that time. It is a masterpiece made around 1660 by the master Elias Boscher who was registered with the League of cabinetmakers in Augsburg from circa 1629 and died after 1664.
Preserved from 1841 to 2006 in a mansion of the Irish aristocracy, this Kunstkammer is in great condition.
On December 5 in London, Bonhams sells an ebony cabinet made in Augsburg, lot 20 estimated £ 400K.
This architectural shaped piece of furniture was designed as a table top. Its proportions are perfect: 85 cm in height and width, 40 cm in depth. With more than 40 drawers and compartments, it is a Kunstkammer conceived to store a collection of curiosities. The secret compartments are so cleverly hidden that some of them may still have to be rediscovered.
The luxury of materials and the details of the decorations are exceptional. Plaques in pietre dure certainly come from the Galleria dei Lavori which was the Ducal Florentine workshop. The woods for the veneers are carefully selected and lapis lazuli is also used. Silver is rarer than usual : the risk of oxidation was an excuse to overcome its shortage following the Thirty Years War.
The furniture is signed, which is rare at that time. It is a masterpiece made around 1660 by the master Elias Boscher who was registered with the League of cabinetmakers in Augsburg from circa 1629 and died after 1664.
Preserved from 1841 to 2006 in a mansion of the Irish aristocracy, this Kunstkammer is in great condition.
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