Dendrological Study Collection (xylotheque)

A dendrological collection for educational and scientific purposes, consisting of 13 specimens mounted on circular, black-lacquered turned wooden bases. Each specimen takes the form of a cylindrical section (or small block), specifically designed to display the plant’s texture, grain, and original bark, thereby facilitating its identification. This selection includes native species of Italian and Mediterranean flora, historically used in both rural crafts and fine cabinetmaking. Among the identified varieties are willow, maple, hazel, fig, and mulberry. This type of object—halfway between a scientific curiosity, worthy of a “cabinet of curiosities” (*Wunderkammer*), and a high-level educational tool—became widely popular between the late 18th century and throughout the 19th century in art schools, academies, and natural history collections. The mounting on a black-lacquered base not only met aesthetic presentation requirements but also allowed the specimens to be visually isolated, highlighting their natural color variations.