UNKNOWN MASTER, Italian
(active 1600-1620 in Florence)

Melchisedek and the Candelabra

1600-20
Hard stone inlay, 28 x 55 cm
Museo dell'Opificio delle Pietre Dure, Florence

This panel represents the Biblical scene of the Priest and King of Salem, Melchisedek, awaiting the return of Abraham near the Holy Ark, next to which a candelabra and an altar are placed. The scene is set in an open landscape near a river.

This masterful work was produced in the Florentine Grand Ducal workshops during the fervent moments of creation of the altar for the Chapel of Princes. It may be admired both for the shades of the stones and for the perfect cut of the various pieces, which succeeds in making their joints practically invisible.