Chair

Datelate 18th Century

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 numberSN1802

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 view

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