Cabinet 1650 - 1855

This cabinet was created by Melchior Baumgartner, and it’s a stunning example of craftsmanship, combining wood, metal, and ivory with incredible skill. What strikes me first is the sheer amount of work involved in its production. Each tiny drawer, each delicate inlay, speaks to countless hours of labor. The cabinet isn't just a functional object; it's a display of wealth and status. The ivory, particularly, would have been a prized material, requiring global trade networks to obtain. The cabinet is also a testament to the division of labor. Baumgartner likely oversaw a workshop of specialized artisans, each contributing their expertise to the project. The metalworkers, the woodworkers, the ivory carvers – they all brought their skills to bear, creating a harmonious whole. Looking at this cabinet, we can consider the hands that made it, and how this object reflects the social and economic realities of its time. By valuing both idea and execution, we understand the cultural significance of an object like this.