TRAY WITH GEOMETRIC DECORATION of polychrome marbles Florence... Lot 24

TRAY WITH GEOMETRIC DECORATION of polychrome marbles Florence or Rome, end of the 16th - beginning of the 17th century Gilt bronze frame of the 18th century Neoclassical period Marquetry of brocatelle, Spanish violet, antique green, antique black, breccia vecchia and red sandstone marbles; filet of white Carrara marble ; gilt bronze 112 x 122 cm (open hooks) Provenance Collection Paris This colored marble inlaid tray has a geometric decoration centered on an octagon reminiscent of the one in the Pitti Palace, made in Florence in the second half of the 16th century (fig. 1). The varieties of marble are highlighted by a white marble net. Our composition is enriched by a neo-classical gilded bronze frame of the 18th century, in the shape of a lictor's cluster. The links are made of ears of wheat and the corners are decorated with oak leaves. The rarity of such a precious marble tray was so sought after by discerning collectors that they did not hesitate to invest in a frame of unprecedented luxury in order to display it like a painting. Hence the explanation of the two rings overhanging the top rail.