Florentine Cabinet in Ebony and Hardstones
Florence, circa 1700
An exceptional Florentine stipo in ebony and Belgian black marble, richly decorated with hardstone inlays and adorned with gilt bronze mounts.
The projecting central façade features an architectural niche housing a large central door above a lower drawer, framed by a double pair of pedestal-mounted columns.
On either side, eight drawers are arranged in two symmetrical tiers.
Each drawer front and the central door are inlaid with panels of hardstones set into black marble, depicting birds perched on fruit-laden branches, often accompanied by butterflies. While thematically similar, each composition is distinct, showcasing the exquisite craftsmanship of Florentine pietra dura artisans.
Dimensions: 100 × 154 × 44 cm
📚 Comparative reference:
A. González-Palacios, Il Tempio del Gusto, Milan, 1984, p. 39, figs. 26–27
This cabinet epitomizes the refined production of the Galleria dei Lavori, the grand ducal workshops founded by Ferdinand I de’ Medici in 1588.
The naturalistic inlays are inspired by designs from Jacopo Ligozzi, a prominent court artist in early 17th-century Florence.
The use of Belgian black marble provided a dramatic contrast, allowing the lively coloration and detail of hardstones to emerge with striking realism and decorative brilliance.
