Items Similar to Pietre Dure Plaque Of Ancient Artisan By Alberto Menegatti
Want more images or videos?
Request additional images or videos from the seller
1 of 5
Alberto MenegattiPietre Dure Plaque Of Ancient Artisan By Alberto MenegattiEarly 20th century
Early 20th century
About the Item
A young man clad in classical robes paints an amphora vase as an attractive admirer observes him in this magnificent pietre dure plaque by Florentine artisan Alberto Menegatti. The work is emblematic of the charming scenes of rural life that were favored by Italian pietre dure artists. The superlative quality and beauty of the stone specimens utilized to create the composition distinguish this piece, and the artist’s ingenious use of the natural striations and inclusions in his stones allows him to convey texture and shadow to brilliant effect.
The art of pietre dure developed from the ancient art of opus sectile, where materials were cut and inlaid into walls and floors to form a decorative pattern. The meticulous technique requires that fine marbles and stones be carefully and artfully inlaid into a stone base. Both expensive and time-consuming, the art of pietre dure requires not only precious materials but also highly skilled craftsmen. As a result, true marble and stone examples such as this are very rare and highly collectible.
This work is featured on page 207 of Anna Maria Massinelli’s book, Painting in Stone.
Signed "A. Menegatti" (upper right)
Early 20th century
Plaque: 19 7/8" high x 14 1/8" wide
Frame: 24" high x 17 7/8" wide
- Creator:Alberto Menegatti
- Creation Year:Early 20th century
- Dimensions:Height: 24 in (60.96 cm)Width: 17.88 in (45.42 cm)Depth: 2 in (5.08 cm)
- Medium:
- Period:
- Condition:
- Gallery Location:New Orleans, LA
- Reference Number:
About the Seller
5.0
Vetted Seller
These experienced sellers undergo a comprehensive evaluation by our team of in-house experts.
Established in 1912
1stDibs seller since 2013
14 sales on 1stDibs
Typical response time: 4 hours
- ShippingRetrieving quote...Ships From: New Orleans, LA
- Return PolicyThis item cannot be returned.
More From This SellerView All
- Pietre Dure Plaque Of Village ChildrenLocated in New Orleans, LAMagnificent and colorful, this enchanting Florentine work of art is not a painting, but upon closer inspection is revealed to be a superb example of the intensive art of pietre dure....Category
19th Century More Art
MaterialsStone, Marble
- Bust of Pope Innocent XI Odescalchi by Domenico GuidiLocated in New Orleans, LAThis monumental bust is a museum-quality example of Roman Baroque sculpture. Crafted by the legendary Domenico Guidi and carved from Carrara marble, the impressive portrait captures the visage of Pope Innocent XI, Benedetto Odescalchi (1611-1689). It presents a larger-than-life example of Guidi’s remarkable skill as a sculptor, which ultimately made his workshop one of the most important in Rome during his age. Today, his works are rarely found on the market, particularly his extraordinary works in marble. Pope Innocent XI was born Benedetto Odescalchi into an Italian noble family of prominent bankers. Spending his early years in banking, he eventually turned to the law, earning his doctorate in 1639. His background would serve him well in his service to the papacy, and he became known as a frugal and devout member of the Church. In 1676, he was unanimously elected Pop after the death of Clement X. During his nearly 13-year reign, he instilled his own personal ideals of austerity and frugality onto the Church, with a deep commitment to reform and piety. He is captured here by Guidi in his traditional Pope’s mozzetta and camauro cap. A wide stole is draped over his shoulders, ornamented by acanthus leaves and the coat of arms of the Odescalchi family. It displays Guidi’s mastery over the chiaroscuro effect, particularly in the high level of contrast in his cheeks and his eyes, which Guidi achieved through various methods of high polish. A very similar portrait sculpture of Pope Innocent XI by Guidi can be found in the collection of the Royal Castle in Warsaw. The Warsaw bust belongs to a series of portraits of popes which the Odescalchi family commissioned from Domenico Guidi in the 1690s. Compared to that example, the present bust is far more dramatic, with deeper cut lines and a more precise expression. It is likely that the present piece was seen by the Odescalchi family, who ordered a similar one to be made. The piece was almost certainly intended to be displayed in a niche, given its dramatic cutting and its roughly carved back. Others of Guidi’s busts can be found in important collections throughout Italy, England and the United States, though many of these are lesser bronze repetitions. A bronze bust of the Pope Alexander VIII by Guidi is currently in the collection of the Victoria & Albert Museum (London), while a terracotta version of the same is in the Los Angeles County Museum. A bronze of Pope Alexander VIII can be found in the Princely Collection of Lichtenstein, and his impressive marble papal bust of Clement IX graces the pope’s tomb in Santa Maria Maggiore. The present bust of Pope...Category
17th Century Baroque Figurative Sculptures
MaterialsMarble
- Limestone Buddha Head, 6th-Century Qi DynastyLocated in New Orleans, LAThis limestone bust of the Buddha presents a picture of serenity and grace. A rare and striking image, it was sculpted in 6th-century Northern China during the Qi dynasty...Category
15th Century and Earlier Figurative Sculptures
MaterialsLimestone
- Italian Marble Sculpture Of Venus And CupidLocated in New Orleans, LABeautifully detailed and lifelike, Venus and Cupid share a soft embrace in this remarkable Italian white marble sculpture. The feminine beauty gracefully leans against roughened rock...Category
19th Century Nude Sculptures
MaterialsMarble
- CoupleBy Agustín CárdenasLocated in New Orleans, LAInfused with a crisp modernity and subtle sensuality, this bronze sculpture by Cuban-born artist Agustin Cárdenas is an exceptional example of late-2...Category
20th Century Modern Figurative Sculptures
MaterialsMarble, Bronze
- La Pensée Volante (The Flying Thought)By Agustín CárdenasLocated in New Orleans, LAThis striking conceptualization of "a flying thought" was composed by the famed Cuban-born artist Agustin Cárdenas. Entitled La Pensée Volante (The Fl...Category
19th Century Modern Abstract Sculptures
MaterialsMarble, Bronze
You May Also Like
- NAME by Steven John Clark x denHolmLocated in Paris, FR'NAME' by Steven John Clark x den Holm Limestone sculpture Hand carved by Steven John Clark Country: Australia Dimensions: H. 80 x W. 125 x D. 125 cm Wh...Category
21st Century and Contemporary Abstract Abstract Sculptures
MaterialsLimestone
- Modernist Carved Sandstone Sculpture Mythical FigureLocated in Rochester, NYSinuous modern carving of a Mesoamerican. Aztec? Mayan? Striated sandstone, circa mid-20th century.Category
Mid-20th Century Modern Figurative Sculptures
MaterialsStone
- PAIR OF ITALIAN ARCHITECTURAL BRACKETS IN PIETRA SERENA, TUSCANY, 1600 CIRCALocated in Milan, ITRichly decorated on the side and with finely sculpted female faces, these carved stone architectural brackets are a great example of the Tuscan production of the late 16th Century. O...Category
16th Century More Art
MaterialsStone
- WHITE MARBLE CANDELABRUM SHAFT AFTER THE ANTIQUE, 19TH CENTURYLocated in Milan, IT19th century sculpture depicting a roman carved-marble candelabrum shaft richly decorate with leaf motive. In excellent condition, this fine sculptures measures 26 cm in width and sh...Category
19th Century More Art
MaterialsMarble
- Italian Pietra Dura 'Marmi Romani' specimen marble plaqueLocated in Milan, ITPrecious plaque containing examples of fine and rare different marbles used in Rome.Category
19th Century More Art
MaterialsMarble
- PAIR OF ANTIQUE PIETRA SERENA ITALIAN ARCHITECTURAL BRACKETS, TUSCANY, 1600 c.a.Located in Milan, ITRichly decorated with floral motives, these carved stone architectural brackets are a great example of the Tuscan production of the late 16th Century. Overall in good condition, Ital...Category
16th Century More Art
MaterialsStone