An Italian scagliola table top, Florentine second half 17th century

of rectangular form, the border with roundels enclosing a flowerhead, interspersed with further reserves enclosing flowers, the central section with further flowers and tulips emanating from four marchional crowns, now on a modern gilt-bronze base, the legs cast with laurel leaves joined by two addorsed inward curved stretchers

By repute from a member of the Rucellai family in Florence.
Sold as lot 7 in these Rooms, 8th December 2004.

Colour slightly lighter than in photograph and more attractive. Old minor marks, chips and scratches commensurate with age and some minor areas of pitting. Three largeish chips to left top and bottom corners and upper section of same side and around the edges which can easily be restored. The top is slightly dirty and would benefit from a light clean according to taste and the tulips and other flowers will clean up beautifully. In overall good condition. A highly sophisticated Florentine piece.
"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."

Comparative Literature:
Enrico Colle, I Mobili di Palazzo Pitti, Firenze, 1997, pp. 168 and 170.

The very sober and naturalistic design on a black background in imitation of 'pietra di paragone'  would suggest an early date for the present scagliola at around the second half of the 17^th century. The  thick marble support in which the scagliola has been inset is also indicative of this early date. Although the names of the makers remain anonymous, the taste for these compositions developed in Florence from the mid of the 17^th century onwards according to archival material. It is known for example, that Cardinal Giovan Carlo de' Medici commissioned a small room called 'Paradiso dei Fiori' in Palazzo Pitti, the walls of which were covered in scagliola panels with flowers. In turn the scagliola makers drew their inspiration from the Grand Ducal pietra dura and wooden inlays.

The interesting feature of this rare early scagliola top, is the presence of tulips both depicted larger than any other flower and framed within a delicate border. During the first part of the 17th century, Western Europe was in the grip of tulipmania. The tulip was first introduced in Europe in the middle of the 16th century and rapidly became a coveted luxury item and status symbol. In 1623, records show that a single bulb could cost as much as a thousand florins (the average yearly income at the time was only 150 florins). The tulip was thus a much treasured object to be represented in the arts, a tradition which also flourished in Italy, as on the present scagliola top.

The marquis's crown suggests an aristocratic commission for the present top.