Minneapolis Institute of Art

Zeeland cupboard (Zeeuwse kast)

Netherlands

Date

17th century

Medium

Oak inlaid with various woods

Department

European Art

Institution

Minneapolis Institute of Art

A wealthy family would have used this large cupboard as the central storage unit of the household. The cupboard, a veritable fortress within the house, is decorated with a plethora of elements from classical architecture. Dutch architect and painter Hans Vredeman de Vries helped popularize these ancient architectural references in his fashionable engravings. As such, in addition to commanding admiration and respect for the owner’s taste, the cupboard’s façade would have also served as a conversation starter about matters of art, travel, and literature. Netherlands, Europe

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