An Italian late 17th/early 18th century pietra dura and marble panel
with a modern cast-iron stand, the panel probably Neapolitan
The thick rectangular white marble inlaid with assorted marbles and hardstones, the tablet border with re-entrant angles and spandrels, the central scrolled oval cartouche inset with a rosette encompassed by alternating clusters of starburst rays and elongated husk decoration, within a C-scroll surround, flanked to each side by stylised scrolled foliage, approximate measurements for the marble top: 146cm wide x 74.5cm deep x 5cm high, (57in wide x 29in deep x 1 1/2in high) the modern stand: 112cm wide x 56cm deep x 73cm high.
Footnotes:
Provenance
The present pietra dura panel was purchased by the grandfather of the current owner and vendor, 15 January 1993, from Arthur R. Bottiger, Lugano, in Switzerland.

A similar Neapolitan 17th century pietra dura panel to the offered lot is illustrated in A.M. Massinelli, Hardstones, The Gilbert Collection, 2000, London, fig.40, p.123. Its overall design, along with the various types and dispersal of marbles incorporated, are closely comparable to those elements on the present model. Massinelli notes that such an example is typical of the work produced in Naples among the various marble workshops active during the second half of the 17th century.

The Gilbert panel, which has provenance to Giuseppe Constantini, Rome, 1971, was most likely meant to be the facade for an altar. This is possibly also the original purpose with regard to the above. Both panels appear to have some characteristics in common with the truly incredible inlaid marble floor inside the Certosa di San Martino, in Naples.
This lot is subject to the following lot symbols: TP
TP Lot will be moved to an offsite storage location (Cadogan Tate, Auction House Services, 241 Acton Lane, London NW10 7NP, UK) and will only be available for collection from this location at the date stated in the catalogue. Please note transfer and storage charges will apply to any lots not collected after 14 calendar days from the auction date.