Italian Rococo Walnut & Pietra Dura Games Table, 19th Century
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An Italian rococo style walnut and pietra dura games table 19th century, the circular grey veined marble top centred by a rouge and verde marble chequer board within a multiple coloured stone surround, raised on an ornate acanthus leaf and scroll carved tripartite base. Diameter 63 cm. Height 77 cm
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- Acanthus - A stylized leaf motif, one of the primary decorative elements of classical Greek and Roman architecture, derived from the genus of flowering plants in the family Acanthaceae, native to tropical and subtropical regions of the Mediterranean area. It is a common element in classical Greek and Roman design, and is often seen in Corinthian and Composite order columns and used as a decorative element in English, European and Australian furniture, particularly on the curve of a leg, and as decoration for a corbel.
- Pietra Dura / Florentine Mosaic - Pietre dura, also known in English as "Florentine mosaic" is a decorative art that originated in Renaissance Italy and involves the creation of intricate, multi-layered inlaid designs using a variety of different coloured stones. The name "pietre dura" is Italian for "hard stones," and refers to the use of hard, durable materials such as marble, agate, jasper, and other semiprecious stones in the creation of the designs.
The origin of pietre dura can be traced back to ancient Rome, where the technique was used to create intricate inlaid designs for mosaic floors, walls, and other architectural elements. During the Renaissance, the technique was revitalized in Italy and became particularly associated with the city of Florence. The court of the Grand Duke of Tuscany, Cosimo I de' Medici, was a major patron of pietre dura and employed many of the leading artists and craftsmen of the time to create a wide range of objects, from small items like jewelry boxes and vases to large panels and furniture.
In the 19th century, pietre dura was used to create a wide range of decorative objects, from furniture and decorative panels to small items like jewelry boxes, vases, and picture frames. During this time, the technique was particularly popular in Europe, where it was used to create elaborate pieces of furniture and other decorative objects for the wealthy and aristocratic classes.
In addition to traditional pietre dura objects like cabinets, tables, and vases, the 19th century saw the development of new forms of pietre dura, such as book covers, cigar boxes, and other small items. This was largely due to the advent of new, more affordable production techniques and materials, which allowed for the creation of pietre dura objects on a larger scale and at a lower cost. - Rococo - A stylistic development covering the period from about 1730 to 1770, during the reign of Louis XV in France. The rococo style falls between the rather overbearing manner of the Baroque and the formal elegance of Neoclassicism. The Rococo style reached its full maturity in France, though many of its features were used by English furniture makers. The style is marked by asymmetrical forms, especially pierced and intricate scroll work as in mirror frames, chair backs etc., and the use of shells and floral motifs. The term derives from the French 'rocaille', meaning rock work, as in gardens and fountains. There was a major Rococo revival in the mid-19th century and indeed much of what is now considered to be typically Victorian furniture is influenced by the Rococo. It is essentially feminine in feeling, and for this reason, perhaps, was regarded as rather frivolous by its successors.
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