Furniture From The Beguinage, Provenance: Ursuline Convent Of Valenciennes

Rare and Interesting Small Beguinage Cabinet Characteristic of Flanders: The beguines, who formed autonomous communities in buildings constructed around a tree-lined courtyard, led a pious yet active life of penance in workshops and infirmaries. While modesty was fitting, they were not to live in poverty. The austere furniture of the beguinages thus displays a quality, sobriety, and rigor reflecting demanding forms of devotion. For a similar model, see "Furniture of the Belgian Provinces and French Flanders," page 47. Provenance: Community of the Ursuline Convent of Valenciennes. Made of oak and dating from the Renaissance period. Minor loss of a molding cover strip and a small shelf. Good condition. Height 85 cm, Length 90 cm, Depth 47 cm