NAPOLITAIN CASE with rich decoration of engraved... Lot 44

NAPOLITAIN CASE with rich decoration of engraved mother-of-pearl marquetry, on a tortoiseshell background. The lid decorated with a metamorphosis of Actaeon surprising Diana and her muses in the bath, the scene is framed by a brass fillet simulating a cartouche, itself framed in the corners of four rich bouquets of flowers among which sunflowers, daffodils, tulips and bindweed.The three front sides decorated with garlands of the same flowers in a rectangular brass fillet. The interior is inlaid on all sides in stained wood with bouquets of flowers and butterflies.Naples, end of the 17th century Height : 16 cm - Width : 47 cm - Depth : 38 cm (Some slight flaking of the shell, slight lack of gilded fillets, lifting and cracks) The interior of this box evokes the "paintings in wood" initiated by northern artists and which spread throughout Europe following the example of Leonard van der Vinne (1659-1713) who worked for the Medicis. Originally from Flanders, he excelled in marquetry of precious woods, ivory and mother-of-pearl and frequently collaborated with the sculptor Giovanni Battista Foggini (1652-1725) who provided him with the designs.