In the 17th century, Antwerp was the leading European centre for painted cabinets, a production encouraged by Philip II of Spain's 1603 ban on the import of Nuremberg cabinets. Contemporary painted interiors show that they were display pieces, with the ebony doors often open to display small oil paintings. These cabinets were used to house collections of jewellery, silver, minerals, shells and other specimen, a link with the princely tradition of the kunstkammer. Hendrick van Balen I (1573-1632) was a master of the Antwerp Guild of St. Luke and ran his own workshop for thirty years, counting Anthony van Dyck as one of his pupils. Although he began his career painting large-scale altarpieces, Van Balen is best known for his pictures on cabinets. In keeping with the popular taste of the time, mythological scenes frequently occur on his small-scale paintings and often feature imagery from Ovid's Metamorphoses. Popular subjects depicted on the drawers of the present cabinet include Narcissus, Diana and Endymion, Neptune and Amphitrite as well as a Triton and Nereid. A related cabinet on stand attributed to Van Balen was sold Sotheby's, London, 25 May 2001, lot 36 (£58,000 including premium). Post Lot Text Please refer to the storage and collection terms as set out in the terms and conditions.
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THE CABINET ANTWERP, FIRST HALF 17TH CENTURY, THE PAINTED PANELS ATTRIBUTED TO HENDRICK VAN BALEN I, THE STAND LATERA FLEMISH EBONY, EBONISED AND POLYCHROME-PAINTED CABINET-ON-STANDEstimate: GBP 20,000 - 30,000
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Condition report
A Christie's specialist may contact you to discuss this lot or to notify you if the condition changes prior to the sale.
The condition of lots can vary widely and the nature of the lots sold means that they are unlikely to be in a perfect condition. Lots are sold in the condition they are in at the time of sale.
The catalogue illustration is fairly accurate and gives a good rendition of the lovely colours of the painted panels throughout, which have retained their bright and colourful hues. Additional images of the panels are available upon request with the department. An attractive cabinet-on-stand in good overall condition with only the the inevitable minor dents, marks, scratches and shrinkage cracks consistent with age and use, including narrow horizontal splits to the top and vertical splits to front doors and left side (top right panel), the ebony veneers being otherwise in good overall condition. As stated in the catalogue, the stand later, backboard probably replaced in the 19th Century. There are minor losses and restorations (eg. replacements) to veneers as would be expected (eg. around the edges of plinth to the cabinet); the moulding around the hinged spreading top is probably 19th Century. Iron handles apparently original. The long drawer to plinth base of upper section possibly adapted (divided into two small compartments separated by a small bearer probably added for additional support). There is one key, which functions for all locks. The cabinet on stand is structurally sound and perfectly ready to use.
For further information on this lot, please contact the Sale Coordinator, Carmel Shayle on cshayle@christies.com.
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Lot 263Sale 19560
THE CABINET ANTWERP, FIRST HALF 17TH CENTURY, THE PAINTED PANELS ATTRIBUTED TO HENDRICK VAN BALEN I, THE STAND LATERA FLEMISH EBONY, EBONISED AND POLYCHROME-PAINTED CABINET-ON-STANDEstimate: GBP 20,000 - 30,000
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