An Italian coffer - Giovanni Sole

A large neo-renaissance Italian coffer, with a domed lid, allover decorated with marquetry of pyrographied boxwood inlaid in tuja burl wood.
The extremely fine marquetry shows medaillons on all sides, representations of Mercurius, Luna, Saturnus, Apollo, Venus, Jupiter, etc… based on the engravings by Carlo Lasinio (1759-1838) inspired on the work of Raphael (1483-1520) for the Vatican Logge.
The surroundings of the medaillons are certainly influenced by the work of the famous architect Vincenzo Brenna (1745-1820).
The coffer is dated and inscribed “Anno 1932 - XI - EF”. The second part of the inscribed date indicates the 11th year of the Fascist era, which is known for the admiration of ancient Rome.
This date can confirm our attribution of this coffer to Giovanni Sole, who was actif in Sorrento during the first half of the 20th century. Giovanni Sole was a renowned Italian craftsman (master woodcarver or 'intarsiatore') from Sorrento, specializing in the traditional Sorrentine inlay technique (tarsia sorrentina) in the early 20th century. He was renowned for his craftsmanship, and his work, including furniture such as tables with detailed inlay designs, is still prized and sometimes offered at auction. He was nicknamed "Bancariello" by some, because he began selling his inlaid pieces from a stall (bancarella) upon arriving in Sorrento. His work is considered part of the late flowering of Sorrentine inlay art, of which he was one of the last witnesses. (AI “Giovanni Sole Sorrento”)

Dimensions : 51 x 71 x 41 cm.
Very good condition.

Litterature :
“Il Museobottega della tarsia lignea a Sorrento”, Alessandro Fiorentino, 1999.
Comparanda :
Sotheby’s New York, 14 April 2008, Lot 565