The imposing scale and highly elaborate decoration of this cabinet, consisting of geometric marquetry of brass, pewter, copper and tortoiseshell enriched with agate and jasper panels, place it firmly in the category of meubles d’apparat (display furniture) of the kind made fashionable by Louis XIV. This piece was purchased by George IV and intended for Windsor Castle. It was originally thought to be French, but the furniture with which it has most in common is a group of Flemish Boulle secretaire-cabinets attributed to the Antwerp workshop of Hendrick van Soest.