As befits its function, San Lorenzo is small; but when you enter, you find yourself in a cocoon of polychrome marble and gilt bronze.

Rococo gilt bronze tends to be finely cast, lightly chiseled, and part-burnished.

For help, he turned to his precocious 15-year-old son, who designed and oversaw the construction of several pieces of rosewood furniture richly decorated with gilt bronzes.

He designed a miniature version of Bramante's Tempietto, and made it in gilt bronze.

Perhaps most dramatically, below Alexander, is the figure of Death (in gilt bronze rather than marble), clutching a sandglass and being overwhelmed by the billowing drapery.

The biggest clue is the Apollo theme illustrated in the armoire's gilt bronze mounts.

Dated 1810, the pieces are of mahogany and ebony with gilt bronze leopardlike faces for drawer pulls and gilt claw feet.

Originally made of terracotta, white marble, and gilt bronze, it was destroyed during the Restoration.

Excellent plates show every conceivable aspect from his stamp to gilt bronzes and immaculate carving.

The third secretary, from 1810, is more severe, neo-classical in style, with flaming mahogany veneers and elaborate gilt bronze mounts that resemble a garland of flowers.