Description:
Description On a light grey background, a rich interweaving of golden tendrils unfolds, elegantly branching and enlivened by garlands of pomegranates, berries, acorns, and ears of wheat. Among the foliage, characterized by fleshy leaves and flowers with embossed buds, two birds are inserted, lending liveliness to the composition. The specimen placed at the top right extends its open beak towards a bunch of berries, while the one at the bottom left is depicted in the act of holding its prey. The ensemble conveys an image of extraordinary ornamental richness, typical of the production of gilded leathers intended for the decoration of prestigious environments.
Comparisons Comparable examples are known to be preserved at the Plantin-Moretus Museum in Antwerp and the Musée National de la Renaissance in Écouen.
Materials and technique Leather (probably calfskin), silvered, lacquered in gold yellow, embossed, and painted.
Period Second half of the 17th century.
Dimensions:
Manufacture Netherlands.
Provenance Private collection.
Comparative work MHK – Deutsches Tapetenmuseum (German Wallpaper Museum), Kassel, inv. DTM 29/29.
