Table top. Italy, 17th century.
Inlaid marble with stucco.
Approximate weight: over 100 kg.
Preserved in very good condition.
Measurements: 73 x 113 x 5 cm.
The laborious technique of inlaid marble with stucco emulates the pietra dura, consisting in the inlaying of semi-precious stones by inlay, born in Florence in the 16th century. The rectangular panel consists of a central scene with birds and floral bouquets, and is bordered by a field of geometric fretwork. Popularly known as the 'Florentine mosaic', the pietradura reached a very high level of quality in the 16th century. It was inspired by the mosaic art of the ancient Romans, the "opus sectile" (a technique that reached its apogee in the time of the Emperor Augustus), but in late-Renaissance Italy the technique was updated in concept and materials used. It is extremely elaborate, as the stones are carved into the shape desired by the artist and skilfully assembled, who takes advantage of the natural stains of the hard stones, previously selected to suit the design. The virtuosity of this type of work, Florentine mosaics were in demand in the mansions of Florentine dukes and patrons, such as the Medici. Specifically, in 1588, Ferdinando I de Medici inaugurated the grand ducal hard stone workshop, the Opificio delle Pietre Dure, in order to decorate the Chapel of the Princes, the Medici mausoleum.