CUPBOARDS

Firstly made with doors directly placed in the "walls", the cupboard became detachable during the XVth century. It is often made up of two parts, transportable separately . It has either two or four doors. The cornice is therefore a piece laid on along the top of the cupboard. In a triangular shape, it usually starts from the middle, and you will sometimes find a small statue in the nook.

During the XVIIth century, the cupboard was on panelling and then became "fixed", firstly on a base and then on legs, using the Renaissance style. The cornice juts out and the legs are often with interlaced columns. The doors have moulded frames. From then on the cupboard started to be used to keep clothes in.

During the XVIIIth century the cupboard became much lighter, on legs. The doors were made up of three panels ; the sides became curved and shaped. Woodcarvings can be seen on the transversal pieces of wood on the front of the cupboard. At the end of the century, carvings could be found on the cupboard doors. The cornices were often arched and very "grasses" (stout). The framework was flat, but could be curved (front and sides) for the more sumptuous models.

A very unique cupboard is the "armoire dite d'Uzes" (the Uzes cupboard), which has a very original shape and decorations. It is made of pine or alder wood and is painted. It has a very simple look about it and often has inward opening doorss.