PIETRA DURA TABLETOP. MARBLE AND HARDSTONES. “FLOWER”.

Circular tabletop of marble and hard stones. “Flower”. Inspired by Italian models of the 16th-17th centuries. A flower surrounded by vegetal scrolls is presented as the main motif in the center, and is highlighted by its brown colors, in contrast to the paler surroundings, made up of vegetal elements and branches with fruits on which several birds are perched while some butterflies are silhouetted against the black background. The tabletop was crafted using a technique similar to wood marquetry, employing marbles and various hard stones such as lapis lazuli. The history of hardstone carving began with Piero de' Medici and Lorenzo the Magnificent in Florence, who sought to revitalize the Roman mosaic technique (opus sectile) made with colored stones, incorporating variations in theme and technique. After 1600, the primacy of naturalistic motifs over other themes that appeared in the 15th century became clear. In the 17th century, France was the first court to show a clear interest in hardstone carving, establishing local production centers (Gobelins Manufactory), while in Italy, the Royal Workshop of Naples took over from the Florentine workshop, which had by then disappeared. In Spain, Charles III established another workshop in the Royal Palace of Buen Retiro in Madrid, which closed at the beginning of the 19th century. Over time, and based on the prominence of plant motifs, the designs changed to suit the tastes of the time. These works were always commissioned by the high aristocracy and the courts due to the high cost of materials and labor. The present example is a worthy heir to this important tradition. Compare it with those preserved in the Museo Opificio delle Pietre Dure in Florence, the panel by Francesco Ghinghi (O00511), or the one made in Naples (O00466) in the Prado Museum in Madrid.

· Size: Diam. 120 cms.