A Magnificent Mid 19th Century Gilt Bronze, Ebony and Semi-Precious Stone Florentine Pietre Dure Cabinet by Enrico Bosi

A Magnificent Mid 19th Century Gilt Bronze, Ebony and Semi-Precious Stone Florentine Pietre Dure Cabinet

By Enrico Bosi

This spectacular museum quality cabinet, which is among the best of Italian style and craftsmanship, includes semi-precious stones of Lapis Lazuli, Malachite, Rose Quartz, Mother of Pearl, Turquoise, Blue and Orange Agate, among others. The cabinet is topped by a bronze and wood gallery, above ten drawers, each with a multi-stone floral design, surrounding a center door revealing three more hidden drawers. Each side is designed with birds, insects, fruits and flowers, standing on gilt bronze mythological women and spiral wood legs, on a wood platform.

A maker's label written "H. Bosi Place S.Trinita No. 1 Florence" on the reverse of the carcass

Enrico Bosi (active 1850-1865) had his workshop in via Tornabuoni, Florence and later in Piazza San Trinitá in the same city. For several decades he supplied an international clientele visiting Florence and exhibited internationally as the label on this piece testifies. Together with makers such as Francesco Betti, Bianchini, and the Buoninsegni brothers, he filled the void left by the decline of the Opificio delle Pietre Dure, supporting the high demand for these luxury objects by aristocratic and bourgeois patrons. He was a personal acquaintance of Victor Emmanuele II, who made him an equerry and acquired pieces from him such as the cabinet on stand now in Palazzo Pitti, Florence.
Details:

Height – 75.5 inches / 192cm
Width – 31 inches / 79cm
Depth – 18 inches / 46cm
Maker – Enrico Bosi