Italian, Central Italy
Sacristy Bench (Panche da sacrestia), early 17th century
Walnut, 204 x 383 x 45.7 cm (80 5/16 x 150 13/16 x 18 in.)
The image does not comprise the entirety of the bench. From what is depicted, the contiguous dark-brown wood-carved seating surface has a massive high back in the form of a wainscoting panel. The panel is divided into five vertical sections by four fluted columns. The seating surface is supported by four carved feet, whose positioning corresponds to that of the columns and continues the sections of the high back. Of the five sections, one can be differentiated as central, wide enough to seat one person comfortably. Two narrower and symmetrical sections are adjacent to either side of the central one. Then, a much wider section follows to the exterior of either side. The central section is further emphasized by having a pointed roof-life feature and additional carved columns on either side, with vine-like and teardrop shaped ornament. Its seating surface is also slightly deeper. All bench feet are carved with stern-looking animal and human faces. Some signs of wear are apparent but the bench is in good condition overall.
Main Entrance Passage And Lobby
Commentary
These high-back benches, carved in walnut, were probably made for a sacristy, the room in a church where the priest prepares for a service. Isabella divided them into five sections and arranged them in the Main Entrance Passage and North Cloister.