cabinet with ruin marble

The cabinet belonged to a group of resplendent black cabinets produced in Augsburg around 1660 to 1680. The stain used for the surface, which imitates ebony, is made according to a recipe which includes asphalt, a dyeing agent already mentioned in the Bible. The striking effect of the façade is based on the contrast between the dark background and the light-coloured inlays of ruin marble, semi-precious stones and marble columns. In this way the decorative, colourful façade makes reference to the precious objects stored inside the cabinet.