A fine Neapolitan baroque ebony and ivory cabinet on stand attributed to Iacopo Fiamengo with engravings by Giovanni Battista de Curtis
A fine Neapolitan baroque ebony and ivory cabinet on stand attributed to Iacopo Fiamengo with engravings by Giovanni Battista de Curtis
The upper section veneered in a beautifully grained ebony with a central arched door with columns and surmounted by an ivory balustrade flanked by two banks of three drawers each with a double ivory panel engraved with scenes of the life of Jacob, probably engraved by Giovanni Battista de Curtis. Resting on turned bun feet and supported by a later ebonised stand with four turned, champhered and tapered legs joined by an H stretcher.
The central panel opening to reveal two short above two long drawers. When the two short drawers are removed, the divider slides out to reveal a hidden narrow horizontal drawer at the back. The balustrade above the central panel and the frieze below it are also hidden drawers.
Naples, Italy but probably made for export to Spain - circa 1630s
Ivory submission reference R1RDKK5H
The cabinet features scenes from the life of Jacob as described in the Book of Genesis. These include Jacob persuading his hungry twin brother, Esau, to exchange his birthright for a bowl of gruel, his discovery of a well where he waters his sheep (Genesis 29:1-3), his visionary dream at Bethel of a stairway reaching heaven (Genesis 28:10-22), his encounters with angels, and his reconciliation with Esau.
Similar examples can be found at the V&A, London and the MK&G, Hamburg.
Dimensions:
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, his visionary dream at Bethel of a stairway reaching heaven (Genesis 28:10-22), his encounters with angels, and his reconciliation with Esau.Similar examples can be found at the V&A, London and the MK&G, Hamburg.){kind=link}