Cabinet Biedermeier; c. 1820.

Biedermeier Cabinet; c. 1820.
Birch wood and birch root.
Preserves key.
Measurements: 207 x 113 x 54 cm.
This cabinet is a faithful representative of the 19th century Biedermeier style. Its sturdy but delicate presence is striking, with its carefully polished wood, which allows the grain to shine. At the top, a closed compartment rises with distinction, crowned by a molded cornice. On either side, the presence of several columns brings symmetry to the piece, giving a sense of harmony. Just below, a hinged lid forms the central area of the cabinet.
The Biedermeier style showed a simplified interpretation of the influential French Empire style of Napoleon I, which introduced stylistic characteristics of the ancient Roman Empire styles, adapting them to the modern homes of the early 19th century. Biedermeier furniture used locally available materials, such as cherry, ash and oak woods, rather than expensive woods such as fully imported mahogany. While this wood was available near commercial ports such as Antwerp, Hamburg and Stockholm, it was heavily taxed whenever it passed through another principality.