Monumental wardrobes (armoires) of this type were intended principally for display and are among the most magnificent and harmonious of Boulle’s creations. The large flat surfaces provided a perfect vehicle for the display of Boulle’s extraordinary skills as a designer and technician, allowing him to combine intricate marquetry of rich materials and finely modelled gilt bronze mounts (which he also designed and made) within a grand architectural framework.

George IV had a particular fondness for Boulle furniture but it was not until he began the refurbishment of Windsor Castle in the 1820s that he acquired this piece as well as another wardrobe of similar large dimensions, pictured here.