A Florentine pietra dura panel of a Bacchanalian group, signed by Nicolo Merlini.
Italian, 18th century.
The panel measures 13.3 x 9.5cm.
The frame measures 19 x 15cm.
The commesso panel, inlaid in various coloured hard stones including Bohemian green jasper, alabaster and lapis lazuli, depicts a seated Satyr holding grapes, a recumbent Bacchante and a crouching putto beside a wine urn, all within a landscape setting before a horizon with mottled turquoise tinted alabaster sky.
The reverse of the panel bears the incised Italian words and signature ‘Fatto da me Niccolò Merlini in sala di ma impt’, which translates as ‘Made by me Niccolò Merlini in my room’.
The panel is mounted within a later ebonised wooden frame with inset gilt rope twist mount.
The « commesso » technique, also known as Florentine mosaic or pietra dura, is a fascinating art form that involves creating pictures and designs using precisely cut and fitted pieces of semi-precious stones.
A pair of panels also signed by Nicolo Merlini were sold by Christie’s, London, Sculpture, 2nd Dec 2009, Lot 3.
https://www.christies.com/en/lot/lot-304101?ldp_breadcrumb=back
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