Description
A pair of rare Italian mid 18th century scagliola panels attributed to Don Enrico Hugford, one depicting a capriccio port scene with fortifications, boats and figures in various pursuits, the other a tranquil country scene with a lake, buildings, a man and woman with a cavalier and his horse and with children at play next to a water fountain, c.1740-50, 16.75 x 15in (42.5 x 38cm) in carved giltwood frames. (2) Some restoration.
Don Enrico Hugford (1695-1771) was born in Italy to English parents and became the leading master in the technique of scagliola in Tuscany during the 18th century. He perfected his technique when he was the Abbot at the monastery of Vallombrosa and his panels and table tops became prized by English Grand Tourists of the day. Although John Fleming in his article on the Hugfords believes many items must survive in English country houses, the only table tops firmly attributed to Hugford are those in the Long Gallery at Penshurst in Kent. Also a table with a scagliola top signed 'HP' corresponding perhaps for Hugford Presbiter was sold by Sotheby's, Lot 76, Noseley House Sale, 28th and 29th September 1998.
For similar panels at Vallombrosa and in various private collections in Italy and a discussion of Enrico Hugford's life and career, see: Anna Maria Massinelli, Scagliola l'arte della pietra di luna, 1997, pp. 24-34 and pp. 56-59.