Vestibule wardrobe,17th century
were used to store various valuables
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Two of the largest furniture centres during this period were Gdańsk and Hamburg. Here we can admire examples of furniture typical of both workshops, including the wardrobe which would have stood in the vestibule. The style of this furniture was massive, with strongly emphasized cornices and extremely rich decorative carving. The carvings often created a rich iconographic pattern, that is frequently difficult to interpret. The acanthus motif that can be seen here may symbolize the virtues of the tenement's inhabitants, such as wisdom, hope, justice, love, or moderation. Decorations in the form of ornamented pilasters on the wardrobe door were also a characteristic feature.