A 17th century Dutch ‘Beeldenkast’

A cabinet with six statues is rarer than one with three. The more carvings on the cabinet the more precious the cabinet.
The number of statues says nothing about the quality, this depends entirely on the talents of the creators of the statues
and the carvings. The statues on this cabinet are beautifully carved and of high quality, as are the panels.The
portmanteau hood is supported by three tronies; a female face in the centre, sentinels at the corners.The frieze thus
gains two panels decorated with flowers and fruits, which is common for a Dutch four-door cabinet. The door panels
decorated with ebony blocks depict the six virtues.Above Verita (wisdom) and Caritas (love), in the middle Spes (hope)
and Justitia (justice) and below Fortitudo (strength) and Prudentia (prudence). The virtues are depicted seated, this was
the usual way at the time. The statue in the middle is Hercules, next to him two soldiers. Below is David, to his left a
woman holding a Horn of Plenty and to his right a harnessed woman with a sheaf of wheat. Hercules and David (along
with Samson) are the heroes, who fought with lions and and overcame them. See the lions on the bottom of the case.
Hercules and David personify the virtue Strength. The Horn of Plenty, like the sheaf of wheat, represents prosperity.The
woman, holding the sheaf of wheat is harnessed, suggesting that she embodies virtue. Combined with the Horn of
Plenty, we can assume, that this is the representation of Endurance (through strength). In the plinth with the lion heads
are two drawers, decorated with beautifully carved floral motifs. On this statue cabinet, then, virtues are depicted,
"Strength" in particular is highlighted as a virtue of honour and fortitude. Hercules and David embody this virtue
combined with wisdom. If "Strength" is used to promote unity, she will bring prosperity. A more detailed description is
available with the cabinet.

Literature: Noord Nederlandse meubel van renaissance tot vroege barok 1550-1670 door Loek van Aalst en Annige
Hofsteder