This two-tiered walnut cabinet, from the Louis XIV period, dates from the final quarter of the 17th century, probably circa 1690. This is a quintessential model of the famous cabinet which has been copied and reinterpreted for centuries after the original period. Homme debout or “standing man” is a legendary name said to have been given to these pieces at the time of the French Revolution. If the central drawer boards were removed, a gentleman could stand inside the “standing man” to hide or wait for the right moment to pounce.

Whether or not this adage is anything more than entertaining, with a little imagination, these pieces do appear like a standing man. They are comprised by a bottom half resting on two feet, above which is a drawer that could ressemble a belt which is below the upper tier or torso which is itself capped by a large cornice or head.

The exceptional aspects of this piece are its conservation of the original bun feet and metal hardware (including two apparently original keys). Although the design and decor of diamond point doors, rich architectural moldings of the prominent cornice, and beveled recessed panels, are not eccentric, it is rare to encounter a Louis XIV “homme debout” which was arguably made in the 17th century. The vast majority of these pieces are immediately recognizable as later copies or interpretations which betray the image so nicely exemplified in this high quality piece of late 17th century domestic furniture.

Finally, regional production centers had not distinguished themselves by developing styles in the 17th century that were nearly as distinct as they became one hundred years later. For such typical seventeenth century pieces which were made in several regions, it is sometimes difficult to determine their region of origin. Without being conclusive, the large dimensions of this piece (larger than the usual dimensions of these already large pieces) and the prominent cornice point towards an Eastern French origin.

H: 7ft 8 inches. L: 5ft 3 inches. D: 29.5 inches.

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