An 18th Century Dutch Ebony cabinet with elements in walnut and rosewood, mounted on a 19th Century painted and parcel-gilt stand.

This piece has wonderful provenance, having previously been owned by the artist and collector Howard Hodgkin (1932-2017), and sold at Sotheby’s, sale no. L17120 Howard Hodgkin, Portrait of the Artist sale, lot 201, 24th October, 2017

Its importance in Hodgkin’s life lies in the importance he placed on the items he chose to surround himself with. Each reflected his passions, influences and interests and inspired a pictorial language reflected in his paintings. Antony Peattie, Howard Hodgkin’s partner said of the objects:“..they were what he called his ‘Must Haves’ that, in some mysterious way, fed his work.” As items were purchased he would find a space for them, move them around and then finally settle on a place he felt they should stay, according to the other objects around them, creating dynamic visual dialogues.

Condition: The stand is undergoing restoration to repair losses and marks to the painted gesso finish.

Cabinet: 82 H x 130 W x 48 D cm

Stand: 88 x 137 x 51 cm