Barberini Cabinet

Galleria dei Lavori, Florence|Francesco Del Tuppo

ca. 1606–23 · Oak and poplar veneered with various exotic hardwoods, with ebony moldings and plaques of marble, slate (paragon); pietre dure work consisting of colored marbles, rock crystal, and various hardstones · European Sculpture and Decorative Arts

The arms are those of a Barberini cardinal, probably Maffeo Barberini (1568–1644), who became Pope Urban VIII in 1623. The scenes from Aesop's Fables are after woodcut illustrations in the edition by Francisco Tuppo published in Naples in 1485.

Artist

Galleria dei Lavori, Florence|Francesco Del Tuppo

Date

ca. 1606–23

Medium

Oak and poplar veneered with various exotic hardwoods, with ebony moldings and plaques of marble, slate (paragon); pietre dure work consisting of colored marbles, rock crystal, and various hardstones

Culture

Italian, Florence

Department

European Sculpture and Decorative Arts

Credit line

Wrightsman Fund, 1988