Chair
Datecirca 1790-1800
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 LineMuseum Purchase, 1957
Object numberSN1801
This chair 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
Dimensions38 1/4 × 22 in. (97.2 × 55.9 cm)- Museum of Art, Gallery 18, Floor East, North End
late 18th Century
c. 1790
ca. 1790
16th Century
Ancient
18th century