Since the Renaissance, keys as well as locks have often been regarded as works of art. The French architect Jacques Androuet Ducereau, who died c. 1585, was the first to publish designs for keys. The art of the locksmith reached its height in France during the first half of the 17th century under King Louis XIII who, in his teens, enjoyed working at the smith's forge and bench.

The medieval and Renaissance period produced locks of beautiful case design, but the artists paid less attention to convenience and security than we do today. This imposing lockplate probably adorned a large wood chest. The splayed shape is most often found in Germany. 

The medieval and Renaissance period produced locks of beautiful case design, but the artists paid less attention to convenience and security than we do today. This imposing lockplate probably adorned a large wood chest. The splayed shape is most often found in Germany.