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Italian - Column, 19th century

Italian

Column, 19th century

Painted and gilded wood , 151 x 25 x 25 cm (59 7/16 x 9 13/16 x 9 13/16 in.)

Commentary

This column is assembled from disparate components of differing dates. It is possible that the column was specifically adjusted by the dealer to fit its intended location in the Titian Room. Cellini's bust of Bindo Altoviti was supported by a simple bracketed shelf when the Titian Room first opened in 1903. This column was slipped into place after 1906, giving the impression that it is holding up the bust.

The lower section of the column is deeply carved with foliage and a putto standing on a platform holding cymbals. The forms are painted on a gold ground. The cylinder above is carved in low relief with oval cabochons and obelisks. The composite capital is painted in various colors. The lower carved section with the putto appears to date from the early seventeenth century, the gilded column and capital are eighteenth century, while th ebase and top were added in the nineteenth century.