Pietra dura table top

Pietra dura table top

Pietra dura table top. Culture: Italian, Rome. Dimensions: Overall (confirmed): 94 1/8 × 45 1/8 × 4 in., 1926 lb. (239.1 × 114.6 × 10.2 cm, 873.6279 kg); Overall (confirmed, ht. and wt. of table assembled on non-original base): 35 3/4 × 94 1/8 × 45 1/8 in., 1926 lb. (90.8 × 239.1 × 114.6 cm, 873.6279 kg). Date: late 16th or early 17th century. 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.

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

Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York, USA

Album / Metropolitan Museum of Art, NY

Model: No - Property: No
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4693 x 2309 px | 31.0 MB

39.7 x 19.5 cm | 15.6 x 7.7 in (300 dpi)