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Tuscan Work Box, 15th Century

Offered by: L' Antiquaire & The Connoisseur, Inc.

Description
Painted beech wood (faggio) work box (scatola di lavoro)
Tuscany, circa 1690-1710
Size: 4 ¼” high x 11” diameter

Circular in form, this large box was made of beech wood, with sidepieces, for the lid and base, steamed and bent into shape. The plain wooden surface was painted loosely in white, yellow and gray to depict highly stylized scrolling foliate motifs, all on a yellowish orange glazed ground. The top of the lid is centered by an elongated heart painted white, from which all of the foliage emanates.
Similar in concept and construction to the poplar sweet meat boxes, yet more base in its origin and ornament, this workbox was intended to hold sewing and other materials used for women’s work. Of type popular in Tuscany since the early Renaissance, similarly constructed boxes appear on bedroom and study shelves in fifteenth and sixteenth century paintings (see P. Thornton, The Italian Renaissance Interior, 1400-1600, New York, 1991, no. 210). The frivolity of the scrolling motifs on this box helps to date it at the end of the seventeenth century.

More Information

Origin:	Italy
Period:	Pre 18th Century
Materials:	Painted Beach wood
Condition:	Good.
Styles / Movements:	Traditional
Dealer Reference #:	box 37
Incollect Reference #:	293006

Dimensions

W.	4.25 in;	H.	11 in;
W.	10.8 cm;	H.	27.94 cm;

Message from Seller:

The gallery deals in European works of art, antiques and paintings from antiquity to the end of the eighteenth century. Under Mrs. Fioratti's direction, the gallery has continued to supply works of art to museums across America and Europe. She has designed interiors in the U.S., Europe, and the Middle East. Mrs. Fioratti has worked on architectural restorations, and restored a 10th century village near Siena.