140

Coin cabinet made of ebony, semi-precious stones, and gilded bronze, Central Italy, 18th century

Height x width x depth: 78 x 120 x 45 cm

with an architectural design and resting on bulbous feet. The front is marked by a triple row of drawers on both sides, entirely adorned with a pattern of jasper marble panels. The compositional focal point is the central temple-style door, framed by columns and embellished with lapis lazuli inlays. In the center of the niche stands a gilded bronze figure of Athena. The interior of the cabinet conceals a chest of drawers made of Volterra chalcedony. The entire piece is embellished on the top and sides with gilded bronze trim and handles.

The use of semi-precious stones and patterned colored marbles for ceremonial furnishings reached its peak between the 16th and 18th centuries. This trend spread widely among the upper classes of the time, who were constantly seeking precious and collectible materials for their private studies. In this example, the imposing yet elegant structure of the cabinet is enhanced by a refined selection of marbles, semi-precious stones, and gilded bronze that highlight its architectural complexity. These stylistic features are found in many pieces produced in Florence and Rome, particularly in the renowned grand ducal workshops operating under the guidance of architects such as Giovanni Battista Foggini (1652–1725) and Diacinto Maria Marmi (1652–1702).