Settee
Dateca. 1790
CultureItalian
MediumCarved and gilded wood inlaid with reverse painted glass (to simulate lapis lazuli), metal mounts
ClassificationFurniture
ProvenanceLady Derby, Derby House, London, 1914; Mr. Houghton Brown, London, 1949; bought by A. Everett Austin; gift to The John and Mable Ringling Museum of Art, 1955
Credit LineGift of A. Everett Austin, Jr., 1955
Object numberSN1800
This sette and the other pieces in the set come from a large suite made in Sicily in the late 18th century, where it was fashionable to adorn furniture with reverse-painted glass to imitate semi-precious stones. The entire set bears the monogram PPL, but these initials have yet to be securely associated with any known patron. The incorporation of glass into the design means they are extremely fragile, and were certainly made for display rather than for regular use.
On View
On viewLocation
DimensionsOverall: 39 x 80 in. (99.1 x 203.2 cm)- Museum of Art, Gallery 18, Floor North, East End
c. 1790
circa 1790-1800
late 18th Century
16th Century
Ancient