ConNext-2021

12 A late renaissance cabinet ‐ on ‐ stand at the West ‐ fries Museum Technological and art historical investigation KEYWORDS: cabinet of curiosities, late renaissance, marquetry, grotesque, Chlorociboria. The research concerns a late renaissance cabinet-on-stand displayed in the permanent exhibition of the Westfries Museum Hoorn, Noord-Holland. The work includes the study of the construction and decoration techniques as well as the art historical context and the object’s history. Based on the condition report, a concept for conservation treatment is developed. The technological investigation focuses on non-invasive methods and uses optical examination in visible light, raking light and UV-excitation. To fully understand the construction and to show hidden parts, a technical drawing is carried out. The materials are macroscopically characterised. Based on the acquired results, later additions can be named and sorted in chronological order. Further information about the object is gained from discussion with the former owners and by viewing historic photographs. The cabinet-on-stand is designed as a cabinet of curiosities. It has two doors at the front that reveal a detailed facade with architectural decoration and marquetry (see figure). The interior consists of drawers, sliding elements and a centred compartment. Several parts, including the stand with twisted legs, the cornice and parts of the veneer, were added or renewed at a later point. The motives of the marquetry show moresque-like ornaments, geometric stripes, grotesques, Greek muses and men in period clothing. Within the variety of European hard- and softwoods used for the decoration, a significant use of green wood coloured by the fungi Chlorociboria is noted. The features of the cabinet suggest specialised craftsmanship from South Germany and Tyrol in the second half of the 16 th until early 17 th century. The cabinet, in comparison with similar objects, shows characteristics that possibly locate its origin to Tyrol in the early 17 th century. The current state of the cabinet, which has been barely treated for several decades, shows considerable damage by insects and wood shrinkage. The marquetry is affected by detached areas, deterioration and numerous old fillings. The surface appears with discoloured, patchy coatings. Therefore, the conservation concept focuses on consolidation and cleaning. This study aims to give insight into the object’s history and stands as a preparation for a planned conservation treatment in the near future. josefin.toenjes[at] hawk.de