'The Buoninsegni Brothers' Florentine Pietra Dura Panels'
Buoninsegni Bros.
Category
Architecture / Features & Decoration
Date
circa 1850
Materials
Pietra dura, marble, glass, mahogany, brass
Place of origin
Florence
Order this imageCollection
Kingston Lacy Estate, Dorset
NT 1255001
Summary
A mahogany and pietra dura mounted breakfront radiator cabinet, The pietra dura panels by the Buoninsegni Brothers, Florence, commissioned in 1850 by William John Bankes (1786-1855) for Kingston Lacy, the cabinet constructed to display the panels, English, circa 1850. With a moulded cornice above four principal panels each depicting the four seasons, the central panels flanked by conforming narrow pietra dura pilasters and the side panels with brass heat grills, all raised on a breakfront plinth base. Little is known of the Buoninsegni Brothers other than they were contemporaries of Enrico Bosi (active 1850-1865) who had a workshop in via Tornabuoni, Florence and later in Piazza San Trinitá. For several decades they supplied an international clientele visiting Florence and exhibited internationally. Bosi, the Buoninsegnis and other craftsmen such as Francesco Betti and Bianchini filled the gap left by the decline of the Opificio delle Pietre Dure; the artistic workshops of the Italian Renaissance, the Opificio was established in 1588 at the behest of Ferdinando I de' Medici to provide the elaborate, inlaid precious and semi-precious stoneworks.
Provenance
Almost certainly commissioned by William John Bankes (1786-1855) in 1850 from the Buoninsegni Brothers, Florence. The cabinet commissioned on their arrival in England. Bequest of the Estates of Corfe Castle and Kingston Lacy made to the National Trust by Henry John Ralph Bankes (1902-1981). NT ownership commenced from 19th August 1982.
Makers and roles
Buoninsegni Bros. , stone carver