Italian Leather Firescreen with Floral Still Life
This Italian firescreen exemplifies the intersection of decorative and fine arts in late 19th century Italian interior design. Masterfully executed, the piece features a central still life painting rendered in oils directly on the leather surface, demonstrating a sophisticated adaptation of traditional Dutch vanitas painting techniques to functional domestic objects.
Artistic Execution:
- Central Panel: Features a Dutch-inspired still life depicting a blue urn with Baroque cherub motifs, overflowing with a floral arrangement
- Painting Technique: Displays a fine network of stable craquelure, particularly evident in the dark background glaze
- Subtle Evidence: Faint stretcher bar marks visible on the central panel
- Border Decor: Delicate floral tendrils and scrollwork adorn the side panels
Material Construction:
- Leather wrapped firescreen with metal studs/tacks along the edges
- Three-panel design with functional hinges allowing adjustable placement
- Hand-applied oil paints directly onto prepared leather surface
Condition Assessment:
- Surface: Stable craquelure throughout painted areas (inherent to medium)
- Structural: Minor edge wear; small non-structural tear on reverse
- Material: Leather remains supple with expected age-related patina
Dimensions:
Flat Display: 41.5" W × 36" H × 0.5" D
Functional Use: 34.5" W
Italian Leather Firescreen with Floral Still Life
This Italian firescreen exemplifies the intersection of decorative and fine arts in late 19th century Italian interior design. Masterfully executed, the piece features a central still life painting rendered in oils directly on the leather surface, demonstrating a sophisticated adaptation of traditional Dutch vanitas painting techniques to functional domestic objects.
Artistic Execution:
- Central Panel: Features a Dutch-inspired still life depicting a blue urn with Baroque cherub motifs, overflowing with a floral arrangement
- Painting Technique: Displays a fine network of stable craquelure, particularly evident in the dark background glaze
- Subtle Evidence: Faint stretcher bar marks visible on the central panel
- Border Decor: Delicate floral tendrils and scrollwork adorn the side panels
Material Construction:
- Leather wrapped firescreen with metal studs/tacks along the edges
- Three-panel design with functional hinges allowing adjustable placement
- Hand-applied oil paints directly onto prepared leather surface
Condition Assessment:
- Surface: Stable craquelure throughout painted areas (inherent to medium)
- Structural: Minor edge wear; small non-structural tear on reverse
- Material: Leather remains supple with expected age-related patina
Dimensions:
Flat Display: 41.5" W × 36" H × 0.5" D
Functional Use: 34.5" W
