Description
A Fabulous Quality 16th Century French Walnut Dressoir attributed to Hughes Sambin (1520-1601). The piece lavishly carved in elaborate detail with allegories & figures. The upper cupboard section having two panel doors depicting figural scenes featuring Diana the Huntress; the panel surrounds enriched with opulent scrolls of husk flowers harbouring insects and small reptiles amongst the undulating stems, and incorporating birds feasting on fruit cascading from baskets to the top, flanked by satyrs crouched upon voluted scrolls either side. The central pilaster carved in the form of Judith holding the head of Holofernes. The side posts open carved in the round with the entwined figures of Neptune & Salacia with sea creature to the right, Mars, Venus & Cupid to the left; bearing on their heads the breakfront canopy top adorned with facetted baguette appliqués. The base section accommodating two frieze drawer festooned with swags of fruit and foliage with meandering tendrils, a satyr’s face mask to the centre and rams’ heads either side. The boldly carved front supports in the form of twin satyr-headed caryatids leading down to a panel backs plinth base raised on six ball feet, 63” (160 cm) high, 52” (132 cm) wide, 23” (58 cm) deep.