Fountain cabinet circa 1660 Alsace – probably Strasbourg

Fountain cabinet, architectural facade punctuated by two smooth columns linked to the Doric order. The columns are made of ash, a species whose veining is adapted to simulate marble here. The first third of the columns is inlaid with a Jurassic-inspired bird with outstretched wings, the columns are positioned on either side of a porch or window, with a semi-circular arch.
The architrave serves as a support for a circular oculus, itself fitted into a window with crosslets, from which emerges a man's head, turned ¾ to his left. The presence and position of this character, from a beautiful quality of sculpture in the round, is to integrate perspective into this decor.
The whole is topped with a pediment inlaid with burlesque and phantasmagorical figures. In the center of this pediment, a keystone is carved with a grimacing mask.

The top of the keystone, finished like a pedestal, serves as a support for a statuette representing a man clutching a book in his left hand, whose position is slightly swayed and tilted forward, the right hand placed on the chest , it seems to inspire the humility of the speaker in the face of his peers or the welcome of his visitors. The draping, and the style of sculpture used for the garment, is closer to the Baroque period than to the mid-17th century, allowing us to suggest that this piece, although of very good quality, was probably brought back after the creation of the fountain cabinet.

The rest of the inlaid decorations which adorn the porch, the cartouche of the pedestal and the lower apron are, like those of the pediment, of exceptional quality and finesse, of incredible research for which the designer probably found his source among initiated publications in the 17th century in the field of ornamentation by Dutch and Strasbourg engravers.

Each scene is unique and flows delicately into the next. Despite this proliferation of grotesque figures, the whole appears balanced and coherent, thanks to the blank areas which avoid any feeling of overload.

The two lateral parts of the central porch serving as support for the columns are flanked by sculpted motifs incorporating the profiles of male faces made in the auricular style.

The base of the fountain cabinet is supported by wall consoles carved with grotesque heads.

The body of the fountain is made of pewter, the reservoir simulates a dolphin whose beak ends in a small bronze tap also engraved with a grotesque head, the basin is inspired by a conch. The fountain, a used part, has some accidents and wear.

This fountain unit is exceptional, it brings together in a single object, all the facets of know-how essential to the creation of a masterpiece: design and proportions, respect for the principles of classical architecture, inlaid and sculpted decor, very high quality of execution, this piece was probably the subject of a special order to complete an interior or a hall where there must have been a large cupboard with columns, a piece of excellence whose presence must have confirmed the status of the master of the place.

We remain at your disposal to develop the arguments and research carried out on this exceptional piece.

The Alsatian artist Camille Alfred Pabst (1828-1898), a lover of beautiful furniture, features Renaissance and 17th century furniture in several of his works, the recurring theme of which is daily life and traditions in Alsace. A masterpiece cabinet with 7 columns is present in the important painting “The Send of Tonkin” (Musée des Beaux-Arts de Mulhouse), and a fountain cabinet, comparable to this one, is the main subject in “Young girl filling a fountain” oil on canvas visible in our collections.

Dimensions of the fountain unit: height 150 cm width 50 cm depth including basin 40 cm.

Species: walnut, maples, cormier, oak, lime, ash, fir Period 17th century