Masterclass

The construction of flat decorated doors of Dutch seventeenth-century cabinets. Rijksmuseum Amsterdam, Ateliergebouw, Monday 4 - Thursday 7 October 2010

Organised by Rijksmuseum Amsterdam in collaboration with Stichting Ebenist, ICN and UvA. Financially supported by the Migelien Gerritzen Fund.

Introduction:
In the late seventeenth century a specific type of cabinet was very popular in the Netherlands: a large two-door cabinet on a stand, with large flat surfaces and relatively simple mouldings. The cabinets were specifically designed to provide ample space for decorations. Decorations were made in many ways and many techniques: floral, geometrical and architectural marquetry, japanning, lacquer panels and textile coverings. The cabinets could even be painted. The construction of the cabinets and especially of the doors was challenging. Large flat surfaces had to be created, which made it difficult to use the tried and tested method of panels set into frames. A great variety of construction methods can be found, with varying results.

Aim of the master class:
To provide a thorough insight into the many variations in the construction of this type of cabinet; to investigate these constructions, using the naked eye as well as other methods, such as X-ray photography; to make construction drawings using 3D design programs; to evaluate the effectiveness of the constructions, taking into consideration wood technology and the influence of climatic conditions; to consider conservation options as well as evaluating previous conservation treatments. 15 Cabinets from the Rijksmuseum and other collections will be objects of research during the master class. Each participant will thoroughly investigate one door.

Programme
Monday 4 October
Art historical and technical introduction into the development of late seventeenth-century cabinets; first investigations into the construction; X-ray analysis.

Tuesday 5 October
Introduction into Sketch Up, an easily available and user-friendly computer program for 3D drawings; making a construction drawing of at least one door and a detailed report of the damage of that door. Visit to Rijksmuseum to inspect the floral marquetry cabinets, one of which is attributed to Jan van Mekeren.

Wednesday 6 October
Visit to Amerongen Castle to inspect the two cabinets, tables and gueridons attributed to Jan van Mekeren; lectures on: conservation of Rijksmuseum Van Mekeren Cabinet; wood technology; influence of climatic fluctuations to wooden structures; concluded by a tour of the castle.

Thursday 7 October
Each participant reports the findings on his/her door; discussion of the sustainability of various constructions; discussion of possible conservation methods. In the afternoon experienced furniture conservators will provide short contributions on their past treatments of this kind of doors, including an evaluation of these treatments.

Lecturers
Bart Ankersmit; Reinier Baarsen; Paul van Duin; Erik Groenhout; André Jorissen; Gert van Gerven; Arie Wallert. On Thursday afternoon: Pol Bruijs; Andrea Coerdt; Jan Paul Folkers; Nico Hijman; Marijn Manuels; Herman den Otter; Michiel de Vlam.

Cabinets
The doors which will be investigated belong to cabinets from the Rijksmuseum, Amsterdams Historisch Museum, Utrecht Centraal Museum, Amerongen Castle and private collectors.

Participants
This 4-day master class is aimed at professional conservators with experience in treating furniture with constructional problems. The number of participants is limited to 20. Active participation is the aim of the master class. Participants are requested to provide a brief CV and motivation. The master class is preceding the 10th International Symposium on Wood and Furniture Conservation: Restoring Joints, Conserving Structures, organized by Stichting Ebenist.

Cost
450 euros. This includes coffee and tea, lunches, one dinner, transport to Amerongen Castle.

Further information and application
There is still room for two participants. For application please send an email to Paul van Duin, Head of Furniture Conservation, Rijksmuseum: p.van.duin@rijksmuseum.nl