Cabinet, Late Renaissance Henri IV Credenza In Carved Walnut, France 17th Century

Credenza, prestige piece of furniture, carved walnut cabinet, 17th century - Henri IV, late Renaissance

A remarkable two-part credenza, a prestige piece in carved walnut, embodying the classical ideal and the architectural elegance of the early 17th century in France. Its classically inspired order draws on the repertoire of Roman Antiquity: fluted pilasters with Ionic capitals, a rigorous vertical geometry and noble proportions. A piece of great refinement.

Upper part of the period (17th century): it opens with a central door with a strongly projecting panel, enlivened by successive mouldings framing a recessed vertical rectangle. The façade is punctuated by four fluted pilasters crowned with carved Ionic capitals. Projecting cornice with superimposed mouldings. A fine geometry and a marked verticality, characteristic of the Henri IV / Louis XIII vocabulary.

A wide drawer surrounded by multiple mouldings provides the transition between the two levels. The base was added in the 19th century: a recess forming a display niche. It stands on six feet: four front feet turned as flattened balls, two plain back feet.

Solid walnut throughout, with a beautiful golden patina acquired through time and use.

Working order: door and drawer in very good working order. Lock and key present but not original; the original system was probably fitted with a mechanism locking the door and the drawer at the same time, a traditional feature of credenzas intended to protect provisions.

Function and history: the credenza, a piece of trust by etymology (from the Latin credere), was used for the secure presentation of food and ceremonial tableware in the aristocratic houses of the Grand Siècle. The upper cornice was meant for display, the lower compartment locked with a key to keep provisions safe from tampering.

Provenance: French private collection. An old label on the back mentions the Garde-Meuble du Colisée, attesting to its passage through the Parisian antiques trade.

Condition: good overall condition, a functional piece ready to take its place in an interior. Treated against woodworm and checked by a cabinetmaker. Traces of old restorations and successive interventions, consistent with its age. Base and feet added in the 19th century. Wear from use, natural splits in the wood, authentic patina preserved.

Dimensions:
• Total height: 154 cm (60.6 in)
• Width at the cornice: 88 cm (34.6 in)
• Depth at the cornice: 47 cm (18.5 in)

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• France: € 180 (specialized carrier for fragile items)
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