ROME, CIRCA 1775, IN THE MANNER OF GIUSEPPE VALADIER

The robust classicism and refined execution relate to the oeuvre of the leading Roman artisan Giuseppe Valadier (d. 1839) who took over the workshop of his father, Luigi, following the latter's death in 1785. The figural plaques - probably depicting two of the muses, Terpsichore (dance) and Polyhymnia (poetry) - may derive from ancient gems as disseminated in popular pattern books including A. F. Gori's Museum Florentinum (twelve volumes, 1731-1766). The incorporation of antique iconography was de rigueur for artisans working in the latter part of the 18th century and certainly prominent in the designs from the Valadier workshop. The exaggerated downswept arms, interwoven architectural and botanical details, and combination of materials characterise a number of Valadier designs and objects (see A. González-Palacios, 'Valadier Father and Son - Some Further Notes and Discoveries', Furniture History, 2007, pp. 69-84, notably figs. 12-15 and Arredi e Ornamenti alla Corte di Roma 1560-1795, Milan, 2004, pp. 346-347).