“When cabbage and peas were often our best meal.” A Letter from an 18th-century Journeyman Cabinetmaker Things were tough in the winter of 1716. Very cool Letter recently found hidden in this cabinet by the guy who built it, article at the link. I love stuff like this, that a cabinet of this quality could be created with no power tools, no heat, no elect lights, no bread, no meat, no wine....dang, these guys were MEN! https://blog.lostartpress.com/2015/...from-an-18th-century-journeyman-cabinetmaker/
Yeah, I remember when that letter came to light. What an amazing story for an amazing piece! And for all of our power tools, we've got Ikea and Ashley to show for it. Pitiful.
A beautiful piece and a harrowing story. In centuries past many craftspeople and artists were poor, and they still produced beautiful objects with precious materials like exotic wood, silver, gold. I think we should all do as Jacob asked, and toast to the memory of Jacob, Johannes, and everyone who left us beauty to admire and enjoy.
Thank you for sharing that James. So sad to think of them living so hard and making such a thing of lasting beauty at the same time.
Interesting getting such a personal snapshot into how people lived back then, they lived hard & died young but still managed to do wonderful things.
Wow, that cabinet takes my breath away! The letter is wonderful, giving us a glimpse into another time, thank-you for sharing
Bear in mind that Jacob and Johannes were skilled craftsmen, journeymen cabinetmakers and, as such, would have been accredited members of a Guild. Furthermore, they were working for Jacob's brother, who had a Court appointment. They were probably much better off than most of the people around them.
I suggest all of you read Pillars of the Earth by Ken Follet if you have an interest in similar times in history.
This is why I love history. This antique talked to us, it would be wonderful if more of them could do so. Just imagine the stories. Thanks for posting.
