CIRCA 1680, THE PIETRE DURE PANELS ATTRIBUTED TO THE GRAND DUCAL WORKSHOPS, FLORENCE, 17TH CENTURY

This highly sophisticated cabinet showcases an elaborate pattern of oyster-cut veneers and, more uniquely, a charming series of Florentine pietre dure and pietre tenere panels to its interior. While Grand Tour souvenirs remained highly prized among England's aristocrats in the 17th century, the actual incorporation of pietre dure panels into contemporary English design is a highly unusual feature. Ownership of this cabinet would illustrate the worldiness of its owner, much like it did for the 3rd Duke of Beaufort when he commissioned the celebrated Badminton Cabinet forty years later (circa 1720) (see Christie's, London, 9 December 2004, lot 260). Similarly mounted cabinets were highly desirable throughout the 17th and 18th century in Royal and aristocratic circles throughout Europe including France and Italy. Florence became a primary producer of this exquisite technique when the Grand Ducal Manufactury was founded by the Medici court in 1588. A Royal 18th century cabinet at Versailles by Joseph Baumhauer is mounted overall with a similar array of alternating bird and floral plaques (A. M. Giusti, Pietre Dure and the Art of Florentine Inlay, London, 2006, pp. 208-209, figs. 164-166). The central pietre tenere landscape, 'painted in stone,' is a perfect example of 17th century Florentine production that remained popular into the 18th century (A. M. Guisti, Pietre Dure: Hardstone in Furniture and Decorations, London, 1992, p.p. 88-89, pl. 51).