19TH CENTURY

Scagliola, also known as ‘Bossi work’, achieved great popularity in Europe between the seventeenth and nineteenth centuries. Originally developed in Lombardy and Emilia Romana - Carpi being the main centre for its production - the technique, which strove to simulate more precious marble, soon spread across to neighbouring Tuscany, becoming well-established in Florence by the mid-17th century. It was during the 18th century, however, that Grand-Tourists visiting the Tuscan capital discovered and grew to appreciate the ingenious technique, frequently returning home with scagliola panels as souvenirs of their travels. Upon their return, these would often be transformed or incorporated into furnishings, commonly as table tops or fitted into cabinets.