Italy (Tivoli)

Coffered Wooden Ceiling with Octagonal Panels and Este Heraldic Emblems (Villa d’Este, Tivoli)

2423

Created during the Late Renaissance / Mannerist period, specifically constructed and decorated between 1550 and 1572 (under the commission of Cardinal Ippolito II d'Este) with subsequent restoration phases in the 17th century.

This object is an intricately carved, gilded, and polychrome-painted wooden coffered ceiling (lacunar ceiling) featuring deep geometric framing. The technique combines carpentry with heavy timber molding, raised wooden paneling, fine plaster or gesso detailing, rich oil pigments, and extensive gold-leaf gilding applied to compartmentalized octagonal and hexagonal coffers.