A rare Italian Renaissance pastiglia box, early... Lot 43

A rare Italian Renaissance pastiglia box, early 16th century The box-shaped, wooden body resting on flattened ball feet with palmette decoration, the slightly projecting plinth zone also adorned with a palmette frieze. Upon which, the straight body decorated on all sides, with a hinged lid at the top. Pastiglia decoration on all sides over the original background of poliment gilding, with heraldic chimeras, Roman campaigns and mythological tableaux. The lid lavishly embellished with Renaissance décor and decorative friezes, remnants of gilding on the knob. Showing traces of age and use. Minor imperfections. Dimensions 14.5 x 20 x 13 cm. Pastiglia is the name given to partially impasto plaster, usually consisting of chalk mixed with pigments and binders, then applied in layers. This technique is mainly used for the relief-like highlighting of certain details on tableaux and was commonly found in ancient Egypt, where portraits of mummies were embellished with pastiglia. Literature: Pastiglia Boxes, Hidden Treasures of the Italian Renaissance. From the collections of Galleria Nazionale D' Arte Antica, Rome. 2002. Condition: II - III Condition Report: Given its age in very good condition. Traces due to age and usage. Feet slightly bumped. Minor missing parts at the front. Bolt missing. Gilding partially worn. Original grown patina.