Cabinet with scenes from the Story of Esther

An item at Metropolitan Museum of Art

During the seventeenth century biblical stories featuring heroines such as Esther, who courageously interceded on behalf of her people with her husband, the Persian king Ahasuerus (depicted on the lid), were popular as instructive examples for young women. Enclosing a mirror, the lid of this cabinet opens to reveal a tray with writing implements. The central compartment is lined with a landscape drawing, which is reflected in tiny mirrors placed at an angle, offering perspective views not unlike the interior of contemporary collectors’ cabinets. The front panels give access to tiny drawers.

European Sculpture and Decorative Arts

An exhibit at Metropolitan Museum of Art

The fifty thousand objects in the Museum's comprehensive and historically important collection of European sculpture and decorative arts reflect the development of a number of art forms in Western European countries from the early fifteenth through the early twentieth century. The holdings include sculpture in many sizes and media, woodwork and furniture, ceramics and glass, metalwork and jewelry, horological and mathematical instruments, and tapestries and textiles. Ceramics made in Asia for export to European markets and sculpture and decorative arts produced in Latin America during this period are also included among these works.

Metropolitan Museum of Art