Writing Case, Marquetry Travel Cabinet, Epic Religious Origin 17th Century

Exceptional 17th century travel cabinet and writing desk, dated 1636 during the reign of Louis XIII in Arole, a resinous tree characteristic of high mountains and marquetry in walnut and shadow maple. This object is of religious origin, written in Latin and symbolism of Jesus on the flap, we also find the king of St. Maurice, Christian clover cross, name given to the look of Maurice d'Agaune. Leader of the legendary Theban legion executed with his Christian soldiers for refusing to deny their faith and worship the Roman gods. His relics are in the Saint Maurice abbey in the canton of Valais in Switzerland. The king has an important symbolic meaning, recalling the courage and faith of Christian martyrs. We find in the lower part the year 1636, each side is richly worked in marquetry. The flap serving as a writing desk then opens to reveal 14 layettes (drawers) of 3 different dimensions.