Jewel coffer on stand 1760 - 1770

The Jewel Coffer on Stand was crafted in the 18th century by Bernard van Risenburgh using wood and bronze. The coffer and stand, though separate, function together as a formal exploration of verticality and support. The eye is immediately drawn to the cabinet's veneer which alternates between light and dark wood grain set at opposing diagonal angles, creating a dynamic push and pull. This compositional element destabilizes the coffer's static form, creating a tension between surface decoration and structural integrity. The cabriole legs of the stand curve elegantly outwards, their lines mirrored in the scalloped apron. The Coffer's ornamental flourishes belie the functionality of the object. The Coffer's lock and key suggest a system of inclusion and exclusion, hinting at the cultural codes surrounding luxury and privacy in the 1700s. The very nature of the jewel coffer, elevated on a stand, underscores its status as more than mere storage. It is a symbol, a testament to wealth and refined taste.