Luigi Frullini: Renaissance Revival Side Table
£4,900
Frullini was arguably the most renowned cabinet maker who worked principally in the Italian Renaissance style, which enjoyed widespread revival during the second half of the 19th century. He is even referred to as the “Donatello of Wood Carvers” in an article entitled ‘Luigi Frullini’ by H. Zimmerman, The Magazine of Art, 1898, p. 279. This type of furniture represents the rebirth of interest in and enthusiasm for the fine and decorative arts produced during the Renaissance period. In addition, works such as this are testament to Frullini’s skill in executing elaborate designs through his impressive abilities as a wood carver.
The celebrated carver Luigi Frullini (d.1897) was active during the latter half of the 19th century, producing, to critical acclaim, Renaissance revival furniture and objects from his Florentine workshop at 8 via Santa Caterina. He exhibited at the 1862 London International Exhibition and at the Paris Expositions Universelles of 1867 and 1878. Already known locally, his travels to London and Paris, beyond furthering his artistic growth, were undoubtedly important in increasing his client base. Indeed, in the years following the exhibitions, he obtained important commissions for the daughter of Queen Victoria, and for the daughter of the Grand duchess of Russia (S. Chiarugi, Botteghe di Mobilieri in Toscana 1780-1900, Florence, 1994, pp.312-315, 474-477).
Frullini’s illustrious private English patrons included Sir William Drake, for whom he produced an entire drawing room, commissioned through William Blundel Spence. Included in this suite was a folio, very similar to the present lot, although lacking the present lot’s cresting. The Drake folio stand now resides at the Victoria & Albert Museum (ibid, p.314, pl.429).
In America, Frullini produced an entire dining room and library for tycoon William S. Wetmore’s Newport residence Château-Sur-Mer. The Philadelphia Museum of Art retains a suite of library and dining room furniture by Frullini.
