16th-century red walnut cabinet

My story starts in south France. I was made a cabinet in 1592, by Mathieu of Rodinin in the province of Armagnac. The county was ruled then by Henry II of the house of Albert, better known as Henry IV King of France. The France was in religious war – the country was controlled by Huguenots - and the new king fought in succession war.

But that mattered little to the poor artisan who made me. The man lived in small town and barely made enough money to survive. He had a wife, Josette, twenty years younger than him – a good looking woman, but without much of talent.

My maker used red walnut wood when he was making me, that’s why I am of such a beautiful color… Just like this evening sun rays, illuminating this room.

My upper body is one meter high, eighty centimeters wide and forty centimeters deep. In front I have two doors – if you would open it, you would find nine drawers of various size and small open shelf. One of my drawers has a double bottom and yes, it is a secret compartment.

My lower body is ten centimeters wider and five centimeters deeper. If you searched close enough, you would find a hidden compartment inside of it. I stand on four sturdy legs.

My sides carry an ornamentation of local forests, cities, villages and animals. On my left door, there is a carving of a woman – Josette. My right doors have the image of Mathieu.

My creator made me well… as you can see, I am beautiful.

I have so many stories I could share with you, which would you like to hear first?