Pair of Venetian Style Bookcases/Showcases in Arte Povera, 18th Century

Pair of Venetian Style Bookcases/Showcases in Arte Povera, 18th Century Magnificent and rare pair of lacquered wood bookcases or displays with original Arte Povera applications from the period. Original hardware. Measurements: H 240 x W 183 x D 25 cm In Italy, the masters of "arte povera," or "lacca contrafacta," were the Venetians who, in the mid-18th century, made extensive use of the prints and chalcographs of the Remondini of Bassano, as well as the prints of the great Venetian engravers such as M. Ricci, G. Zais, J. Amigoni. In addition to the Veneto region, the Marche and Piedmont also lacquered in "arte povera." While the Marche was influenced by Venice, Piedmont, despite having a school of Venetian lacquerers, was influenced by French taste. This technique was so successful that in the 18th century, it spread to France, captivating experts and amateurs alike. In the diverse world of lacquered and painted antique furniture and objects of the 18th century, a small, humble segment consists of furniture and objects (small boxes, small frames, trays, glove boxes, etc.) that are neither pompously lacquered in the "Oriental style" nor finely painted. These are the furniture and objects made in "lacca contrafacta" – more commonly referred to as "arte povera" or "poor lacquer," where the word "povera" refers to the lower cost incurred in decorating the piece of furniture. This arose when Venetian artisans, masters in the art of painted and lacquered furniture, decided to use a more economical technique.