Prie-dieu or kneeler in walnut. Italy, 17th century

This very beautiful prie-dieu is designated in Italy by the term inginocchiatoio and its use makes no mystery! Certainly the prerogative of a rich and pious sponsor, this kneeler was undoubtedly installed in a private chapel and allowed both to meditate and to adorn, as it should, a space entirely devoted to the adoration of God.

The use of walnut tends to attribute this prie-dieu to the northern regions of Italy; perhaps Emilia-Romagna is a probable candidate for the region of origin of this piece of furniture provided with an armrest named accoudoir – allowing you to lean in front of you for prayer (unlike the accotoir which allows you to resting with elbows on the side) – and a step called a kneeler, on which the faithful kneel.

These last two elements as well as the central door reveal storage in which could be placed religious books as well as rosaries, crucifixes or other usual objects in worship.

The whole piece of furniture presents a superb work of intarsia (Italian marquetry technique) of bone, ivory and ebony in two-tone patterns specific to 17th century Italy. The central door is decorated with the monogram of Jesus, IHS, inscribed in a rose window with straight or undulating rays. Rosaries of pearls, flowered vases, festoons and two-tone patterns sumptuously adorn the entire surface of the furniture. This rare prie-dieu is in perfect condition.