Furniture with Candelabra and Interior Decoration

Furniture with Candelabra and Interior Decoration

1838

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“Step into a meticulously rendered 19th-century interior with this hand-colored engraving. It showcases the elaborate furniture and decorative tastes of the era, offering a window into historical design.”

ABOUT THIS WORK

This intricate illustration, titled "Furniture with Candelabra and Interior Decoration," offers a glimpse into the opulent design sensibilities of 1838. It was created using a combination of engraving, etching, and hand-coloring, a testament to the detailed printmaking techniques of the era. The artist, William Herbert, 1st Earl of Pembroke, is primarily known for his historical and genealogical pursuits rather than a prolific artistic output. His other recorded works in museum collections, such as engravings of "Mary, Queen of Scots" and "Publius Terentius Afer," suggest an interest in historical figures and portraiture, often executed through printmaking. This particular piece, however, stands out by focusing on decorative arts and interior design, perhaps reflecting a broader cultural fascination with domestic grandeur during the 19th century. The inclusion of candelabra and elaborate furnishings indicates a keen eye for the fashionable interiors of his time, providing a valuable historical document of design trends.

DETAILS
Date
1838
Medium
Illustrations: engraving, etching, hand-coloring
Location
The Metropolitan Museum of Art
Dimensions
15 3/16 x 10 13/16 x 3/8 in. (38.5 x 27.5 x 1 cm)
Collection
Drawings and Prints
Credit line
The Elisha Whittelsey Collection, The Elisha Whittelsey Fund, 1962
LOOK CLOSER

What to Notice

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

Furniture with Candelabra and Interior Decoration
01

The delicate hand-coloring on the furniture details

02

Intricate patterns on the candelabra

03

The interplay of engraved and etched lines

04

The overall symmetrical composition

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