Pamono 19th Century Italian Six-Panel Painted Wood Folding Screen in Gilt Bronze Frame

This one-of-a-kind antique Italian Empire Period folding screen is a masterpiece of early 19th-century craftsmanship, dating most likely from 1801 during the Republic of Lucca.

Painted using tempera grassa with natural pigments, this exquisite piece features museum-quality hand-painted and lacquered rectangular solid wood panels, showcasing a stunning trompe l’oeil effect framed by chiseled giltbronze bands throughout.

The screen’s decor is a rich tapestry of architectural motifs, vases, music and art allegories, flowers, putti, grotesque and symbolic animals inspired by Ancient Greek and Roman mythology. These elements combine to create a high-end room divider of unparalleled artistic merit.

Set against a warm white background with a gorgeous craquelé, the exceptional polychrome decorations draw inspiration from the Renaissance period.
The color palette is a harmonious blend of porphyry red, petrol blue, various shades of pink, brown, green, and gold, all masterfully applied in lacquered paints on the wood.
The four central panels each depict an allegory of a Roman or Greek mythological god: The Swan symbolizes Venus, the Peacock represents Juno and immortality, the Eagle embodies Jupiter’s power and victory, and the Owl signifies Athena’s wisdom.
These panels are flanked by finely hand-chiseled gilt bronze frames featuring acanthus leaf motifs, a masterpiece of ormolu craftsmanship in their own right.
The screen’s reverse side is covered with the original light green silk fabric, adorned with neoclassical scene patterns. While the fabric behind the central four panels remains in very good condition, the two external panels show some fraying.
This elegant and precious screen likely originated as part of a magnificent paneled room with boiserie, later framed and transformed into a folding paravan.
Its provenance is noteworthy, having been part of the furnishings of a neoclassical villa in Lucca, Tuscany, whose frescoed ceilings featured the same decorative motifs.
Versatile in its display options, this rare piece can serve as a traditional room divider or, with its panels fully opened, can be hung on the wall as a stunning mural painting. Its ability to function as both a screen and a wall-mounted artwork adds to its unique appeal.
Dating specifically to 1801-1805, this folding screen is a rare example of Tuscan Empire and Lucchese neoclassical furniture. It was created during the short-lived Republic of Lucca, established by Napoleon Bonaparte on December 27, 1801, following his conquest of Italy. The Republic lasted until June 1805, when Napoleon granted Lucca to his sister Élisa Bonaparte as a principality within the new French Empire.

Dimensions: Height 158 cm, Width 198 cm

Tempera grassa is a refined painting technique that uses natural pigments mixed with egg white. This method, employed in this extraordinary folding screen, gives the colors exceptional luminosity and durability, contributing to the preservation of the work over the centuries. The choice of this technique testifies to the artist’s skill and deep knowledge of materials, resulting in a work of art of the highest quality and longevity.
This exceptional piece of history and craftsmanship is ready to embellish your home, serving as a conversation starter and a testament to the artistry of its era.