An Ebony Cabinet Featuring Paintings Attributed to Isaac van Oosten

Published on 01 December 2022, by Anne Doridou-Heim

Auction on 13 December 2022 - 14:30 (CET) - Salle 4 - Hôtel Drouot - 75009

The 17^th-century Flemish cabinet from the Jean Bouvier Collection is a veritable theater of surprises that has yet to give up all its secrets.

Antwerp, mid-17th century, ebony and blackened wood cabinet with embroidery and paintings... An Ebony Cabinet Featuring Paintings Attributed to Isaac van Oosten

Antwerp, mid-17^th century, ebony and blackened wood cabinet with embroidery and paintings attributed to Isaac van Oosten (1613-1661), opening with two leaves, the inside of the leaves, the lid, fronts of the false drawers and arched panel decorated with scenes of the Genesis and Adam and Eve in the Garden of Eden, blackened wood base resting on spiraled legs joined by a crosspiece, cabinet: 73 x 92.5 x 46 cm/28.74 x 36.42 x 18.11 in; total h. 148 cm/58.26 in.
Estimate: €40,000/60,000

Picture Antwerp in the mid-17 th century. The Flemish city and major port, which did a thriving business in the spice trade, was at the height of its wealth. The population rose from 10,000 to nearly 100,000 in the late 16 th century, an outstanding number for Europe. Echoing this growth, artists’ studios multiplied and commissions poured in. Many painters Rubens ' entourage prospered. Painting scenes for highly sought-after cabinets was a steady, lucrative business. Often, like for this cabinet, which features scenes from Genesis and Adam and Eve in the Garden of Eden, they are unsigned, but stylistic details allow attributions to be made. Wood from the Tropics…

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