Research
The top of multicolored scagliola. The outer border decorated as an illusionistic shaded moulding. The inner field composed as a symmetrical tied wreath enclosing an oval reserve with laurel wreath frame centered by a parrot perched upon a rock. Some pitting to left hand side of top. Minor repairs to edge. The base of ebonized cherry wood. The shaped four sided frieze between four finely turned legs which are united by a turned ‘H’ form stretcher. Old surface marks to left side of top. Minor repairs to edges to be completed.
Provenance:
An old New England Collection
The present tabletop shares commonalities with the work of scagliola artist Marco Mazelli (1640–1713), a pupil of Don Gasparo Griffoni, along with fellow scagliolists Giovanni Pozzuoli and Giovanni Massa. Together their work contributed “maximum prestige for both quality and quantity of works” to the Carpi school of scagliola, and demonstrates versatility in theme and subject. Mazelli’s use of color was of particular impact, while his “naturalistic ideas (flowers, birds, cornucopias) always prevailed in an inexhaustible repertoire of Baroque decorativism that was the envy of many painters…for their very elegant results.” Mazzi’s proficient output may be attributed in part to the fact that he made use of cartoons, which allowed him to replicate various motifs, and that he is thought to have had a well structured workshop at his disposal in order to keep up with commissions. Mazelli’s use of halftones, allowing for more subtle color ratios, became a standard for Carpi’s masters of scagliola, and he contributed much to the expansion of the art outside of the Modena region.
The table, which is distinguished by its unusually small scale, appears to retain its original base. It has been suggested by the leading scholar in the field of scagliola, Prof. Dott. Anna Maria Massinelli, that the present top and its base were both made in the important North Italian region of Emelia Romagna, the above mentioned early center for scagliola in Italy.
Full research report available on request.