Live Auction 7841500 Years: Decorative Arts Europe
Christie’s roundel
Lot 34

AN ITALIAN SPECIMEN MARBLE AND PIETRA DURA TABLE TOP

PROBABLY ROME, 19TH/20TH CENTURY

Closed29 April 2010

Price Realised

GBP 27,500

Considering selling a similar item?

Discover its value with a complimentary estimate from our specialists.

More Information

How to sell

AN ITALIAN SPECIMEN MARBLE AND PIETRA DURA TABLE TOP
PROBABLY ROME, 19TH/20TH CENTURY
Of rectangular form, centred by an alabastro fiorito oval medallion, within a beaded border of giallo di Siena, lapis lazuli, bianco e nero, alabastro bianco, and a breccia di Semesanto and broccatella di Spagna shield-shaped surround, in a field of scrolling floral rinceaux set in a variety of marbles and hardstones including africano, lapis lazuli, bianco e nero and rosso antico, within an oval-inset rectangular border
54¾ x 38 in. (139 x 96.5 cm.)

Specialist note

It is striking how close this commesso panel is related to a 16th century table top of Roman manufacture, illustrated by F.M. Tuena, 'I marmi commessi nel tardo rinascimento romano', Marmi Antichi, Rome, 1998, p. 80, ill. 28. They share not only the distinct central alabastro fiorito oval panel, but also the surrounding strapwork, foliate and floral field, as well as the broccatella di Spagna border and rounded edge.