Casket
1675-1725 (made), 1850-1900 (made)
| Artist/Maker | |
| Place of origin |
In the creation of stone mosaics (commessi), hardstones (pietre dure) were sometimes varied with other, softer stones (pietre tenere).
The landscapes here use the natural markings of the Albarese limestones such as pietra paesina, or landscape stone, tigrato (with tiger-like effects) and verde d’Arno (a stone with many variations of green). The name Albarese comes from the Italian word ‘albero’ for ‘tree’ and refers to the appearance of the oxidised crystals in the stone which look like bushes and trees.
Landscape scenes became increasingly popular in the late seventeenth century and these types of stone were used as the support for oil paintings: the marking on the stone were incorporated into the background to form a landscape. By the 1680s Alberese limestones were being cut and used for mosaic panels like those on this casket. They were highly valued as luxury souvenirs, until the 19th century, when these examples were re-mounted in this mahogany casket.
Sir Arthur Gilbert and his wife Rosalinde formed one of the world's great decorative art collections, including silver, mosaics, enamelled portrait miniatures and gold boxes. Arthur Gilbert donated his extraordinary collection to Britain in 1996.
The landscapes here use the natural markings of the Albarese limestones such as pietra paesina, or landscape stone, tigrato (with tiger-like effects) and verde d’Arno (a stone with many variations of green). The name Albarese comes from the Italian word ‘albero’ for ‘tree’ and refers to the appearance of the oxidised crystals in the stone which look like bushes and trees.
Landscape scenes became increasingly popular in the late seventeenth century and these types of stone were used as the support for oil paintings: the marking on the stone were incorporated into the background to form a landscape. By the 1680s Alberese limestones were being cut and used for mosaic panels like those on this casket. They were highly valued as luxury souvenirs, until the 19th century, when these examples were re-mounted in this mahogany casket.
Sir Arthur Gilbert and his wife Rosalinde formed one of the world's great decorative art collections, including silver, mosaics, enamelled portrait miniatures and gold boxes. Arthur Gilbert donated his extraordinary collection to Britain in 1996.
Object details
| Categories | |
| Object type | |
| Materials and techniques | mosaic stone panels (commessi); pietre tenere (soft stones), coloured marble, gilt bronze and mahogany with ebony veneer |
| Brief description | Rectangular mahogany casket with stone mosaic (commessi panels): Florence, 1680-1725; casket: Florence, 1850-1900 |
| Physical description | A wooden casket veneered with ebony standing on gilt bronze bun-shaped feet. The sides and lid are each set with a mosaic panel of soft stones depicting a landscape scene. The edges are framed with gilt bronze, and the corners have gilt bronze floral mounts. |
| Dimensions |
|
| Gallery label |
|
| Credit line | The Rosalinde and Arthur Gilbert Collection on loan to the Victoria and Albert Museum, London |
| Object history | Provenance: The Hon. Mrs. Stuart; William Redford, London, 1972; Los Angeles County Museum of Art. Historical significance: This 19th century casket is mounted with earlier hard- and softstone panels, demonstrating the fashion for remounting earlier examples in new practical settings. This casket was probably used to contain jewellery and other small precious items of emotional significance to the owner. |
| Historical context | The plaques on this casket are typical of the burgeoning late 17th century taste for subjects from nature. |
| Production | Pietre dure panels date to late seventeenth to early eighteenth century; casket dates from second half nineteenth century |
| Subject depicted | |
| Summary | In the creation of stone mosaics (commessi), hardstones (pietre dure) were sometimes varied with other, softer stones (pietre tenere). The landscapes here use the natural markings of the Albarese limestones such as pietra paesina, or landscape stone, tigrato (with tiger-like effects) and verde d’Arno (a stone with many variations of green). The name Albarese comes from the Italian word ‘albero’ for ‘tree’ and refers to the appearance of the oxidised crystals in the stone which look like bushes and trees. Landscape scenes became increasingly popular in the late seventeenth century and these types of stone were used as the support for oil paintings: the marking on the stone were incorporated into the background to form a landscape. By the 1680s Alberese limestones were being cut and used for mosaic panels like those on this casket. They were highly valued as luxury souvenirs, until the 19th century, when these examples were re-mounted in this mahogany casket. Sir Arthur Gilbert and his wife Rosalinde formed one of the world's great decorative art collections, including silver, mosaics, enamelled portrait miniatures and gold boxes. Arthur Gilbert donated his extraordinary collection to Britain in 1996. |
| Bibliographic references |
|
| Other numbers |
|
| Collection | |
| Accession number | LOAN:GILBERT.930-2008 |
About this object record
Explore the Collections contains over a million catalogue records, and over half a million images. It is a working database that includes information compiled over the life of the museum. Some of our records may contain offensive and discriminatory language, or reflect outdated ideas, practice and analysis. We are committed to addressing these issues, and to review and update our records accordingly.
You can write to us to suggest improvements to the record.
Suggest feedback
You can write to us to suggest improvements to the record.
Suggest feedback
| Record created | June 19, 2008 |
| Record URL |
Download as: JSONIIIF Manifest
