Austria or Bohemia, circa 1623. A hardwood and softwood architectural style cabinet, with a black polished finish, set on a later table support, with various drawers, the drawer fronts with chased silver reliefs depicting mythological motifs from the antique, referring to Ovid’s "Metamorphoses". The cabinet has a central niche door with interior drawers concealed behind, flanked by turned columns in rock crystal, with silver strips accentuated with turquoises between the drawers, a silver baluster rail with five figures of gods, a later stepped terminal with the goddess Minerva flanked by two small warrior figures, with a 19th century silver plaque below bearing the inscription "Daß iß vor treu". On the inside of the central niche door is a round golden medallion below rock crystal, set within a silver frame decorated with turquoises, showing the imperial coat of arms supported by gryphons, with the inscription IMP. FERD. II VIII. SEPTEMBRIS MDCXXII XIII. MAJUS MDCXXIII. C. P. L. D. O. C. 168 x 100.5 x 31 cm. Some ageing and wear. (DOC)

The German art historian Dirk Syndram ("Meisterwerke der Sammlungen des Fürsten von Liechtenstein" 1996) leaves open the question of the dating on the plaque inside the cabinet – and for this reason ultimately also the identity of the giver and the recipient. The first three letters of C. P. L. D. O. C. probably refer to Carolus Princeps Liechtenstein, which means that the whole series of letters may well refer to "Carolo Princeps Liechtenstein Donatum Ob Curam". Karl I was close to the house of Habsburg, had been chief intendant to Rudolf II and supported Ferdinand II.
Both datings allude to important bestowals from Emperor Ferdinand II. to Karl I. of Liechtenstein; on 08.09.1622 he received the Order of the Golden Fleece from Ferdinand II and on 16.05.1623 the letter of tenure over the Jägerndorf principality.

Prov.:
- Christie’s Amsterdam, Property from the Collection of the Princely House of Liechtenstein, 1. April 2008, lot 411 – dated late 19th century
- Schloss Vaduz, Liechtenstein 1944
- Vienna 1930
- Schloss Seebenstein before 1930

Lit.:
Paintings oft he collection of the Prince of Liechtenstein, Sculptures, arts and crafts weapons, Benteli publisher Bern, 1996