Prominently placed in grand baroque interiors, cabinets-on­stand were highly prized for their sculptural decoration, imported veneers, and their startling illusionism. Their tops provided ideal display surfaces for Chinese porcelains, bronze statuettes, and other objets d'art.
The cabinet doors, elaborately carved in relief, illustrate events in Greco-Roman mythology, French literature, ancient history, and the Bible. Scenes from the Old Testament story of Susannah and the Elders decorate the doors of this cabinet. Inside are shallow drawers where small precious objects, such as medals and jewels, could be stored. A second set of doors at center conceals a miniature stagelike setting, contrived of mirrors, malachite, and marquetries of exotic woods and stained horn.