Renaissance Period Furniture: 16th Century French Antique

This four doored armoire is a wonderful example of luxury furniture, of the lyonnaise school, made during the French renaissance. Since this artistic movement began in Italy, and the style of this piece is more Italian in nature, it makes sense to see the piece circa 1550 (earlier in the timeline of the French renaissance).

One event marking the beginning of the French renaissance is King Francis 1st inviting Leonardo da Vinci to come to France in 1516. The king's château de Chambord (masterpiece of French renaissance architecture) was completed in 1547, ironically the year of the King's death. Hence, circa 1550 would be a dating for a piece which appears stylistically early for this movement. The Italian style we see her is characterized by an architectural symmetry, a classical simplicity to the decor (relative to the highly figurative pieces of the 2nd French renaissance from 1575-1600). The scrolling foliage motifs which surround the faces on each door panel are typical of the Lyonnaise school. They are referred to as in the manner of embossed leather or "cuir découpé." As discussed in the video, the faces may well represent the original couple of owners.

Many thanks, happy hunting,

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