Rare Arte Povera Screen after Carle Vernet — Directoire / Consulate Period

An exceptional and rare four-leaf screen presenting an Arte Povera (or Lacca Povera) decoration on a ground of antique green lacquer. This piece constitutes a refined testimony of the taste of the Directoire period, marking the transition between the delicacy of the 18th century and the rigour of the First Empire.

The decoration is composed of applied engravings, after the works of Carle Vernet (1758-1836). One finds here the artist's favourite themes: hunting scenes, genre scenes, Neoclassical repertoire such as winged caducei, quivers, torches and laurel wreaths. The Arte Povera technique consists of the meticulous application of engravings on a painted support, the whole protected by numerous layers of resin varnish.

The reverse of the screen is treated with equal care, presenting moulded panels painted in a green tonality. Late 18th / early 19th century.