AN ITALIAN PIETRA DURA AND EBONY CRUCIFIX BASE ROME, EARLY 17TH CENTURY
Details
Of architectural form, the broken pediment surmounted by silvered winged putti, and centered by a chamfered pedestal surmounted by a figure depicting the Assumption of the Virgin, the front with lapis lazuli panels inset with agate in the form of baroque cartouches, on a stepped base inset with further stones, the figures associated, with a printed paper label to the reverse inscribed 'Eigentum / Prinzessin Maria Anna / v. Bourbon-Parma' 193⁄4 in. (50 cm.) high; 161⁄2 in. (42 cm.) wide; 61⁄2 in. (16.5 cm.) deep
Provenance
Archduchess Maria Anna of Austria, Princess of Bourbon Parma (1882-1940). Anonymous sale; Christie's, London, 6 July 2012, lot 124 (£21,250).
Lot Essay
Inlaid with semi-precious stones of jasper and lapis lazuli forming geometrical patterns, the design of this crucifix base is typical of pietra dura produced in the city of Rome. A number of cabinets with similar inlay are known, including the celebrated Castle Howard Cabinets sold Sotheby's London, 8 July 2015, lot 20 and lots 65 and 102 in this sale.
Archduchess Maria Anna of Austria, Princess of Bourbon Parma (1882-1940) was born to the Teschen branch of the Habsburgs and grew up in the splendid surroundings of the Weilburg Palace near Vienna. In 1903 she married Elias son of Robert I of Bourbon-Parma and they resided at numerous residences including the Château de Chambord which had descended through the Dukes of Parma.
Details
Of architectural form, the broken pediment surmounted by silvered winged putti, and centered by a chamfered pedestal surmounted by a figure depicting the Assumption of the Virgin, the front with lapis lazuli panels inset with agate in the form of baroque cartouches, on a stepped base inset with further stones, the figures associated, with a printed paper label to the reverse inscribed 'Eigentum / Prinzessin Maria Anna / v. Bourbon-Parma' 193⁄4 in. (50 cm.) high; 161⁄2 in. (42 cm.) wide; 61⁄2 in. (16.5 cm.) deep
Provenance
Archduchess Maria Anna of Austria, Princess of Bourbon Parma (1882-1940). Anonymous sale; Christie's, London, 6 July 2012, lot 124 (£21,250).
Lot Essay
Inlaid with semi-precious stones of jasper and lapis lazuli forming geometrical patterns, the design of this crucifix base is typical of pietra dura produced in the city of Rome. A number of cabinets with similar inlay are known, including the celebrated Castle Howard Cabinets sold Sotheby's London, 8 July 2015, lot 20 and lots 65 and 102 in this sale.
Archduchess Maria Anna of Austria, Princess of Bourbon Parma (1882-1940) was born to the Teschen branch of the Habsburgs and grew up in the splendid surroundings of the Weilburg Palace near Vienna. In 1903 she married Elias son of Robert I of Bourbon-Parma and they resided at numerous residences including the Château de Chambord which had descended through the Dukes of Parma.
