Cabinet
CultureAustrian
Dateca. 1820-1830
MediumWood with wood veneer, glass and brass
DimensionsOverall: 69 1/2 × 29 × 15 inches (176.53 × 73.66 × 38.1 cm)
Credit LineBequest of Marjorie S. Frontman
Object number2008.15.11
On View
Not on viewCollections
DescriptionThis tall, almost anthropomorphic cabinet with display shelves is made of wood, veneered wood and mirrored glass. The overall shape of the cabinet seems to reference a lyre in its silhouette. The slightly bulbous or swelling form at the middle or waist rests on three imposing and solid lion paws firmly anchored to a platform-like base, which, in turn is supported by five wooden low horizontal feet. The top of the two-door rounded cabinet supports one shelf, while two other shelves, diminish in size as they rise. The backs of these smaller shelves are backed with mirror glass. The top of the cabinet and the middle shelf also have slides underneath to make the shelves move forward, possibly so that candles can be placed on the shelf without burning the shelf above. At the top of the cabinet, wooden vertical members support two green painted birds which turn and look down towards the floor. The cabinet is made of a burled wood that has been further enhanced with black paint to emphasize the graining. The lion paws are painted bronze green as are the birds to imitate metal, although they too are wood. The interior of the cabinet is lined with its original early-19th century blue-printed wallpaper.
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