A pair of pietra dura panels,
mid-17th century, Florentine, in the manner of Baccio del Bianco for the Grand Ducal workshops, one depicting a wild boar, the other one a dromedary,
20cm wide
15cm high, each in a carved giltwood frame (2)
Provenance: The Estate of Sir Jack and Lady Baer.
Literature: For similar panels illustrating the tradition of depicting animals in 17th century Florentine pietra dura, including those depicted in a tabletop including panels in the style of Baccio del Biancosee Anna Maria Giusti, 'Pietra Dure: Hardstone in Furniture and Decorations', London 1992, p.83, fig.26.
This pair of panels bear many similarities to other known examples of 17th century pietra dura. This inclues a group of panels depicting animals and inset into a tabletop alongside a series of examples depicting grotesque figures, which are closely related to del Bianco's designs, which is housed at the Chateau de Versailles and illustrated in Giusti's 'Pietra Dure: Hardstone in Furniture and Decorations', p.83. Giusti comments that depictions of animals in pietra dura at the time were simple, but in energetic and spirited poses, making use of soft stones in very similar palettes to the present examples.
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Sold for £15,000
Condition Report
Sight size of each panel 20cm wide, 15cm high. Each 22 x 15.5cm when measured from the reverse. Frame measures 27 x 31.2cm. Later frames now painted and with minor losses. Please see additional images for reference to condition. Overall appear in good stable condition. Ready to hang, although both a little loose in their frames. Both examined within the frames.
Camel: Dirt and some discolouration. Some fine cracks to borders. One tiny area above the camel's head appears to be replaced, although this may have been done at the time of manufacture. Two small areas of imperfection of the stone beneath the camel's hooves which are not flat and polished. Light surface wear and scratches commensurate with age and handling. Minor inclusions and imperfections in the stone. One small chip to a corner visible from the reverse.
Boar: Dirt and some discolouration. Some fine surface cracks to the borders. Some light surface wear and scratches commensurate with age and handling. Minor inclusions and imperfections within the stone.
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Auction: Fine Interiors - Two Day Sale, 13th Sep, 2022
Sworders’ quarterly curated Fine Interiors sales offer stylish period and modern furnishings, decorative antiques, and important works of art, fusing traditional British and Continental antiques with eclectic works of art from Europe and further afield. With a focus on quality, rarity and style, they appeal to the discerning modern buyer whose taste and appreciation stretch far beyond the high street.
Viewing
VIEWING
Viewing will be held at our Stansted Auction Rooms, Cambridge Road, Stansted Mountfitchet CM24 8GE, as follows:
Fri 9 September, 10am - 5pm
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Sun 11 September, 10am - 2pm
Mon 12 September, 10am - 5pm
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