Bracket by Isaac Broome

Bracket

Isaac Broome · 1877

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“Stop and admire this intricate porcelain bracket, where a mischievous cherub clings beneath a reclining figure. Its delicate colors and classical design offer a glimpse into Victorian decorative arts.”

ABOUT THIS WORK

This decorative bracket, made from colored Parian porcelain, features a dramatic, almost theatrical scene. A winged cherub, with a quiver of arrows slung across his back, clings precariously to the underside of the bracket, his gaze directed upwards. Above him, a larger, more mature figure, possibly a nymph or goddess, reclines amidst swirling drapery and foliage, seemingly oblivious to the cherub's presence. The figures are rendered with a soft, almost painterly quality, enhanced by the subtle tints of the porcelain, which give the piece a delicate, ethereal glow. This work, created in 1877, reflects the Victorian era's fascination with classical mythology and allegorical figures, often reinterpreted with a romantic or sentimental flair for domestic adornment. The intricate modeling showcases the capabilities of Parian porcelain, a popular material for its resemblance to marble.

DETAILS
Artist
Isaac Broome
Date
1877
Medium
colored parian porcelain
Location
The Metropolitan Museum of Art
Dimensions
12 1/2 × 7 × 6 1/2 in. (31.8 × 17.8 × 16.5 cm)
Collection
The American Wing
Culture
American
Credit line
Gift of Jay and Emma Lewis, 2013
LOOK CLOSER

What to Notice

Five details hide in plain sight. Here’s where to look.

Bracket
01

The cherub's tiny, feathered wings and the quiver of arrows on his back.

02

The delicate pink and blue tints in the porcelain, especially in the drapery.

03

The way the cherub's fingers grip the bracket's edge.

04

The contrasting textures between the smooth skin and the ruffled fabric.

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THE ARTIST

Isaac Broome

1836–1922 · United States

Canadian-born sculptor who shaped America's Centennial with patriotic porcelain busts and decorative reliefs.

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