An impressive and extensive collection of marble and hardstone specimens housed in an Italian 19th century ebony collector's cabinet by Eugenio Argnani (fl. 1870-1890)the one hundred and forty-four different marble and hardstone specimens undoubtedly of an earlier date to the cabinet, with some possibly dating to the ancient Roman eraThe moulded cornice above a hinged fall front with an applied reed-moulded border comprised of six moulded panels, each panel encompassing eight specimen tablets with conforming moulded surrounds, the fall with a quarter veneered thuyawood underside inlaid with the central brass monogram: 'A.C.' within an ebony roundel, enclosing an interior of conforming arrangement with six short mahogany lined drawers, each end with an applied reed moulded border comprised of three moulded panels, each panel encompassing eight specimen tablets with conforming moulded surrounds, on a stand comprising square tapering front legs, a twin-panelled back and two platform undertiers, the carcass interior with a printed paper label which reads: 'EUGENIO ARGNANI, INTARSIATORE, ROMA, VIA SISTINA 47', another label to the reverse typed: 'Personal Property of E.C. Sosnow' and a further label to the underside inscribed: 'Mr Sosnow', 74.5cm wide x 39.5cm deep x 147cm high, (29in wide x 15 1/2in deep x 58 1/2in high) the cabinet: 72cm wide x 39.5cm deep x 65cm high.Footnotes:Provenance:Based upon the 'A.C.' monogram that it bears, there is a distinct possibility that the offered lot was originally made for Prince Agostino Chigi (1858-1896), Eric Charles Sosnow, 20th Century (Polish journalist and businessman, evidently it was sufficiently prized to warrant being labelled twice whilst in the care of the Sosnows). Purchased by the present owner, 2019 from a relative of Eric Charles SosnowAmongst the remarkable total of one hundred and forty-four different specimens inset into the present lot there are numerous well known marble and hardstone types including porphyry, lapis lazuli, Spanish brocatello, Sicilian jasper, verde antico, griotte and malachite, but it is significant to note that the majority overall appear to date to the late 18th century or earlier. The rarest include examples sourced from quarries which were active during the ancient Roman era, and in countries as varied as Egypt, Tunisia, Turkey, Algeria, Israel and Greece, as well as Italy. A selection of arguably the most unusual samples therein are: breccia quintilina and porporina di villa Adriana, both from Tivoli; porfido rosso and granito rosso, both from Egypt; giallo antico brecciato and bigio lumachellato, of Tunisian origin; occhio di pavone rosso, marmo di Iscehisar and marmo di Asracane, all found in Turkey; giallo brecciato di numidia from Algeria; granito bigio grafico of Israel; and the Greek breccia di Aleppo. Specimens from an Italian source are also in abundance and these include: breccia policroma capitolina, Nero di trapani, diaspro rosso di Sicilia and granito della Colonna. Many of these are illustrated in R. Gnoli's tome, Marmora Romana, Rome, 1971, in which the location of the main ancient Roman quarries, along with the marble produced at each one, are charted upon a superb map of the Roman Empire. This map appears with the title: 'Cartina delle principali cave di marmo di eta romana near the back of the book. Further interesting and beautiful examples forming part of this extraordinary collection, in our opinion, include: albarese, agate, semesanto, fior di pesco, campan, porfido verde antico, breccia degli appennini, granito del foro and giallo tigrato, (M.T. Price, Decorative Stone, The Complete Sourcebook, 2007, London).The Chigi FamilyIt is undoubtedly the case that the 'A.C.' monogram inlaid to the reverse of the hinged fall are the initials of the individual who commissioned the offered 19th century cabinet. And, given the nature of the considerable range of older marble and hardstone specimens inset therein, it seems highly likely that this piece made by Eugenio Argnani was constructed upon behalf of a major, and almost certainly patriarchal, figure within a prominent, wealthy and perhaps even powerful Roman family. Likewise, it is equally probable that its purpose was to display, enclose and consequently protect this particular family's remarkable collection of specimens, which must have been accumulated over a long period of time.It is entirely feasible that the monogram refers to Prince Agostino Chigi (1858-1896). Whilst the earliest reference to the Chigis, an influential and illustrious Roman family of Sienese origin, is from 13th century documentation, it is evident that they were ennobled in 1377. They rapidly established themselves within the sphere of banking, largely due to Mariano Chigi (1439-1504), initially in Siena but then thereafter in Rom.The most renowned figure within this major family was Agostino 'Il Magnifico' (1464-1520). Arguably the most successful of Mariano's sons. Agostino set himself up in Rome as a principal member of his father's banking enterprise, subsequently flourishing in this role. He went on to develop close working, and often personal, relationships with three consecutive popes Alexander VI, Julius II and Leo X. Julius II even accepted him as part of his own family. During his tenure, Agostino established a number of monopolies on behalf of the family bank including on vital goods such as salt, alum and grain. At about that period the Chigis also participated in international trade, benefitting from that involvement exponentially.In the realm of the arts, Agostino 'Il Magnifico' ('The Magnificent') patronised various writers, poets and thinkers such as Pietro Aretino (1492-1556) and Pietro Bembo (1470-1547), at the same time as supporting great architects like Baldassare Peruzzi (1481-1536), who was responsible for work on the Villa Farnesina and Villa Farnese. Agostino also assisted in furthering the careers of various artists and architects, among whom Giulio Romano (1499-1546) and Raphael (1483-1520) are certainly foremost. Sadly, when he died in 1520 Agostino's business endeavours were essentially terminated and then later on, in 1575, his dynasty also came to an end, www.encyclopedia.comHowever, the Sienese Chigi clan managed to re-install themselves in Rome via the progeny of Sigismondo (1479-1525), Mariano's second son. Indeed, Sigismondo's great grandson Fabio, who arrived in the Eternal City as a young priest, eventually became Pope Alexander VII in 1655. The impact of this huge advancement for the Chigi family cannot be overstated since Alexander VII was a fervent nepotist, and thus chose to favour his own relatives as much as possible. As a natural consequence of this, numerous Chigis became cardinals between the 17th century and even into the early 19th century.One of their most incredible achievements and an enduring gift to posterity was the Chigi library. This extraordinary collection of manuscripts was started by Fabio, who oversaw its main expansion during his pontificate as Alexander VII. Also, the various Chigi family cardinals, and in particular Flavio the Elder, added to it significantly over a long period. Sometime later, the Italian government bought the renowned library but donated it to the Vatican in 1923. Since then the collection has been absorbed into the Vatican library but evidently remains independently catalogued. Today it comprises ... This lot is subject to the following lot symbols: TPTP Lot will be moved to an offsite storage location (Cadogan Tate, Auction House Services, 241 Acton Lane, London NW10 7NP, UK) and will only be available for collection from this location at the date stated in the catalogue. Please note transfer and storage charges will apply to any lots not collected after 14 calendar days from the auction date.For further information on this lot please visit Bonhams.com
![Derbyshire, John Speed: 'Anno Darbieshire described', hand coloured engraved map, [1676], Thomas Bassett & Richard Chiswe](https://cdn.globalauctionplatform.com/7604b38c-fb87-4ec5-93a3-aec800c7c9b8/1068215b-5df2-478c-9857-aecc011002cf/468x382.jpg)
![John Ogilby: 'The Road from London to Hith [Hythe] in Com Kent Including the Road to Maidstone', engraved hand coloured road](https://cdn.globalauctionplatform.com/7604b38c-fb87-4ec5-93a3-aec800c7c9b8/35c6733f-016b-4c7b-a33f-aecc011108b4/468x382.jpg)
