The Lost Code

Armoire

18th century
Painted pine
H. 133.2 cm
W. 138 cm
In the 18th century, the armoire supplanted the chest and became popular across the land. The armoire actually offers a considerable advantage over the chest—its contents are all visible and much more accessible. Although it did not disappear, the chest faded into the background. The New France custom of fully painting furniture to protect the light-colored wood was uncommon in France, as the wood used there was generally very durable. This armoire miraculously escaped the furniture stripping trend that swept Québec and other areas for a good part of the 20th century.
Musée de la civilisation collection, 51-24