An Italian pietre dure and marble tabletop, Florence, circa 1870
Estimate
4,000 - 6,000 EUR
Lot Details
Description
in various stones including lapis lazuli, agate and malachite, depicting a still-life with vases and cups on a ledge, on a black marble ground, raised on a modern wrought metal base
The top only 56 x 95 cm; 22 x 37 1/2in
Overall 81cm high, 96cm wide, 57.5cm deep; 31 7/8in., 37 3/4in., 22 5/8in.
Bonhams, Los Angeles, Fine European Furniture and Decorative Arts, 22 June 2015, lot 2347.
This type of illusionistic still life was introduced into the Florentine repertory in the late 18th century and its popularity continued throughout the 19th century reflecting an interest into archaeology, flora and fauna. The surrealistic and meticulous treatment of a ledge on which the objects are displayed, was indeed first used at the Medici’s Opificio delle Pietre Dure in Florence by Antonio Cioci, later on by his son Leopoldo, and by Carlo Carlieri in the 1780s. Several pietre dure tables tops designed by Cioci with still lifes including antique objects and flowers, are in Galleria Palatina, at Palazzo Pitti, Florence. In the 19th century, a number of works in this style were executed by Francesco Betti and Giovanni Ugolini.
