Italian, Tuscany
Credenza, 1460s
Walnut, poplar, and cypress, 109.4 x 301.3 x 75.3 cm (43 1/16 x 118 5/8 x 29 5/8 in.)
This is an Italian credenza made of walnut, poplar, and cypress. The credenza sits directly on the floor without legs or feet supporting it. The sides are deeply curved and the front is straight. On the front are two doors with small iron hinges. There are iron knobs at the upper middle of the doors. At the top of the credenza, just below a stepped edge and extending continuously from right to left, is a band of wood inlaying in a Greek key pattern of five diamond shapes. On either end of both curved side panels and surrounding the doors, for a total of five, are deep inlays of intarsia in a Greek cross pattern. These inlays are framed by a pattern of a tightly coiled festoon. The doors are framed by an intarsia pattern of alternating small and large diamonds. At the bottom of the credenza, running in a continuous band from side to side, is a stepped edge of dark wood.
Long Gallery
Commentary
This credenza embodies the harmonious proportions and massive dignity of much Italian Renaissance furniture. The art historian Bernard Berenson also owned a credenza of this form and in 1906 Isabella Gardner saw it when she stayed with him at Villa I Tatti. She must have been impressed
by the piece and during her stay in Florence she bought her own example from the dealer Stefano Bardini.
by the piece and during her stay in Florence she bought her own example from the dealer Stefano Bardini.