Bracket

Isaac Broome, 1877

MEDIUMcolored parian porcelain
DIMENSIONS12 1/2 × 7 × 6 1/2 in. (31.8 × 17.8 × 16.5 cm)
LOCATIONThe Metropolitan Museum of Art
COLLECTIONThe American Wing
CULTUREAmerican
CREDIT LINEGift of Jay and Emma Lewis, 2013

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.

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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.

LOOK CLOSER

What to Notice

1

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

2

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

3

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

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Audio Deep Dive

Stop and admire this intricate porcelain bracket, where a mischievous cherub clings beneath a reclining figure. Its delicate colors and classical design offer…

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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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