Half-column of oak, Flemish; 17th century

Pilaster of oak, Flemish; 17th century. From a cabinet; the capital belongs to the composite order; the shaft is fluted and the base is carved with leafy scrolls.

Museum nos. 859-1898 to 908-1898 (along with 909-910 for MET) "the whole of above more or less damaged" were purchased. A memo by Caspar Purdon Clarke, Assistant Director, dated 24/10/1898 on the RF records "When in Brussels recently I visited the Communale Museum and noted a collection of staircase newel posts which had been removed from old houses pulled down by the municipality. These interested me more than any other object in the museum: I therefore made inquiries as to the possibility of purchasing a few examples for our museum and suceeded in finding 3 very fair specimens at a dealers. These had been obtained during the removal of an entire block of houses on the side of the hill leading to St Gudule and the dealer informed me that in a few days he could collect more from other dealers who had purchased them, if commssioned to do so. As the price was exceedingly low I instructed him to obtain as many as possible, knowing that no great quatity could be found. In all he collected 11 separate newels at a cost of 480 francs (£19.4.0). I also selected in his shop 55 pieces of wood carving of various sizes - all very useful in making up small collections for Circulation, costing 150 francs; 2 Gothic panels; 30 frs each; 3 very rich Gothic panels, 225 frs.; an armchair, 60 frs.;and 7 iron wall anchors which form a peculiar feature in the architecture of the north of France ad in Flanders, 45 frs...."

Purchased for 4s. for the three pieces. Condition upon acquisition 'capital chipped'.

901-1898