Pair Of Venetian Style Bookcases/showcases In Arte Povera, Epoch '700

Pair of Venetian Style Bookcases/Showcases in Arte Povera, Epoch '700

Magnificent and rare pair of lacquered wood bookcases or displays with original Arte Povera applications of the period.
Original hardware

Measurements: H 240 x L 183 x P 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, the Marches and Piedmont also lacquered in "arte povera," and while the Marches suffered from the Venetian influence, Piedmont, although there was a school of Venetian lacquerers, was influenced by French taste; in fact, this technique was so successful that in the 18th cent. it spread to France, infecting experts and amateurs alike.

In the varied world of lacquered and painted antique furniture and objects of the 18th century, there is a small humble section of furniture and objects (small boxes, small frames, trays, glove boxes, etc.) that are neither pompously lacquered "oriental style" nor even less 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" stands for the lesser expense incurred in the execution of the decoration of the piece of furniture. This occurred when Venetian craftsmen, masters in the art of painted and lacquered furniture, decided to use a cheaper technique.