Painted Cordoba Leather Panel

Painted “Cordoba leather” panel. Mid-17th century period. Origin Italy. Rare panel in gilded leather embossed or hammered with small triangular motifs. It is painted with a spectacular scene decorated with a bouquet of flowers in the center. The surroundings are made up of fantastic elements, birds, fruits, rockeries, foliage, flowers and even a character. Real very decorative painting. The panel is fixed on a board and surrounded by gold braid. Note cuts, cracks, dents. The first gilded leathers, or Cordoba leathers, appeared in Spain probably around the 9th century. The city of Cordoba is an important center of leather production. From the 14th century, gilded leather workshops were listed in several Spanish cities. In 1477, Flanders came under the authority of the Spanish Habsburgs and Spanish influence spread in Flanders. Several production centers subsequently developed in France and Italy. Gilded leathers then became very widespread decorations in Europe between the 16th and 18th centuries. Mainly used as wall hangings but also for screens, chests, seats and many other objects. Dimensions: H 134 x W 73 x D 2