Small Display Case, Arte Povera And Miniature Altar Decoration In Faux Marble, Venice, 18th Century

An extremely rare domestic aedicule with three glazed sides, reproducing in miniature the bulbous forms and curved roofs of Venetian furniture, particularly the alzata, the upper part of the ribalta (a kind of desk-cabinet) also called by metonymy "trumeau" (in French) by our Italian friends. This precious object is entirely decorated according to the lagoon tradition of Arte Povera, more specifically Lacca contrafatta, in a very aristocratic expression, complemented on the inside by an exuberant miniature and illusionistic decoration that reproduces the architectural and ornamental elements of a sacred space: a base of faux polychrome marbles, Solomonic columns entwined with acanthus scrolls, and composite capitals. The rest of the decoration, in a very pronounced Rococo style and with vibrant colors such as those favored in the 18th century (bright pink and green), consists of egg-and-dart cornices, animated cartouches, garlands of flowers, shells, faux marble, and mica powder. There are some losses to the decoration (both inside and out), cracks, and modern glass panes. The photographs document these as best as possible. The back is covered with period marbled paper. The lacca contrafatta is composed of floral elements and stylized scrolls in still vibrant and warm hues. A unique object, probably used as a domestic tabernacolo to hold a small devotional figurine. Origin: most likely Venice. Period: 18th century.