Pietra dura table top

Unknown

late 16th or early 17th century · Hardstones, alabaster, and marble (pietra dura); marble frame and walnut stand (replacement) · European Sculpture and Decorative Arts

This magnificent hardstone (pietra dura) tabletop is notable for the geometric design and central alabaster oval flanked by roundels of marble (breccia di Tivoli). These features are typical of Rome in the years around 1600 and distinguish the tabletop from Florentine examples. Four lapis lazuli bolts hold in place the strapwork cartouches that recall forged iron. The severity of the inner decoration seems to translate jewelry designs from contemporary pattern books while the border of wild animals, blossoms emitting seeds like strings of pearls, leafy scrollwork and floral sprays includes motifs derived from ancient Roman mosaics.

Artist

Unknown

Date

late 16th or early 17th century

Medium

Hardstones, alabaster, and marble (pietra dura); marble frame and walnut stand (replacement)

Culture

Italian, Rome

Department

European Sculpture and Decorative Arts

Credit line

Gift of Mr. and Mrs. Francis J. Trecker, 1962