Furniture with Candelabra and Interior Decoration

1838

MEDIUMIllustrations: engraving, etching, hand-coloring
DIMENSIONS15 3/16 x 10 13/16 x 3/8 in. (38.5 x 27.5 x 1 cm)
LOCATIONThe Metropolitan Museum of Art
COLLECTIONDrawings and Prints
CREDIT LINEThe Elisha Whittelsey Collection, The Elisha Whittelsey Fund, 1962

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.

Get the full experience in Art Whisper
Get it on Google Play Download on the App Store
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and elaborate furnishings indicates a keen eye for the fashionable interiors of his time, providing a valuable historical document of design trends.

LOOK CLOSER

What to Notice

1

The delicate hand-coloring on the furniture details

2

Intricate patterns on the candelabra

3

The interplay of engraved and etched lines

2 more details waiting — unlock in Art Whisper
Audio Deep Dive

Step into a meticulously rendered 19th-century interior with this hand-colored engraving. It showcases the elaborate furniture and decorative tastes of the era…

Hear the full story in the app
See something wrong?
Open the App