Cabinet 1635 - 1655

Herman Doomer created this ebony cabinet with inlaid ornamentation sometime in the 17th century. This was the Dutch Golden Age, a period when the Netherlands became a major economic power, fueled by its vast colonial empire. The cabinet itself reflects this wealth. It is made of luxurious materials and decorated with intricate details. Open, you can see an interior which imitates a fashionable interior, complete with a chequered floor, pilasters, and inlaid figures. The cabinet would have been commissioned by a wealthy merchant or aristocrat as a show of status. It’s not just a functional piece of furniture; it’s a symbol of their place in the world. We can learn about Dutch society in the 17th century through objects like these. By studying the materials used, the craftsmanship involved, and the symbolism of the decoration, we can gain insights into the values, beliefs, and aspirations of the people who created and used it.