SOLD! Vintage Italian Inlaid Marquetry Putti Cherubs and Psyche Making Perfume

Vintage Italian Inlaid Marquetry  Putti Cherubs and Psyche Making Perfume

This marquetry work is based on a fresco found on Mural decorating the House of Vettii in Pompei, Itay 

It is in good condition with age related wear to the wood, please see photos for detailed condition report.

It is 48.4 cm x 15.2 cm ( 19" x 6") 

unpacked weight:  496 grams

The following information about the mural that this marquetry work is based on, can be found in The European Journal for Science Teachers, Issue 21, Nov. 11, 2011, by Gianluca Farusi

 "A mural decorating the House of the Vettii or Casa dei Vettii (VI xv,1) in Pompeii, Italy (abandoned AD 79), is evidence of how Roman perfumes were prepared and sold.

 From right to left <—: Two putti (cherubs) hammer the wedges of a press, to squeeze the oil out of unripe olives. 

On their left, a psyche (goddess or spirit) stirs a mixture in a cauldron over a fire (probably steeping plants in warm oil). 

Two putti stir the contents of a deep vessel, which may have to be added to the olive oil. 

On their left, another putto (one cupid) holds a phial and has both a papyrus scroll and a pair of scales. Behind the putto is a cupboard containing phials and a statue of a deity.

 The story finishes with the sale: the purchaser tests the perfume on her wrist. Behind her is a slave girl and a putto stands in front of her holding a phial and a spatula. "

Text by Gianluca Farusi, Smell like Julius Caesar

Internal ref: WCC4081

Free U.K Delivery

All our items are Vintage, Antiques or previously used, unless stated otherwise. So some wear marks are to be expected. We always try to describe our items accurately and will always point out any wear or usage marks

Photos: We don't use stock photos, all photos provided are from the item you are purchasing. Sometimes the photo studio lights reflect on the object, this is not damage.

We use photos as an additional condition report, so please study them carefully before buying. Old things are rarely perfect and have been used and pre loved.

Packaging: All items are professionally packaged, to prevent damage in transit.

United Kingdom: For small parcels weighting less than 2 kilos we use Royal Mail. For larger parcels we use DPD Local or Parcel Force, depending on the measurements. Occasionally we might use Hermes. We will never use Hermes for Fragile Parcels.

All measurements are approximate.

White Cat Collectables