Engraved Bone Plaque With Hunting Scene, Central–southern Italy, 17th Century

Engraved bone: 8 x 14 cm (12,5 x 18,5 cm) A rare finely engraved bone plaque depicting a hunter drawing his bow toward a feline poised to attack. The composition, executed with a thin line and dense linear hatching, displays stylistic features typical of Appennine production between the late Renaissance and the early Baroque period, with clear references to contemporary Mannerist engravings of hunting subjects. The panel retains its engraved frame and darkened perimeter border, indicating its original function as a decorative element applied to a casket or small piece of furniture. Provenance:
On the reverse, an old inscription reads: “…stati alla vendita dei Baroni Grilli – Pescocostanzo – Prov. Aquila”.The note most likely refers to the Grilli family, Barons of Pietransieri, former owners of Palazzo Grilli in Pescocostanzo (Abruzzo), a 17th-century fortified residence later inherited by the De Capite family. The piece likely originates from the movable furnishings of the palace.