This sample panel was exhibited at the International Exhibition in Paris in 1855. Museum staff bought it directly from the Exhibition because they believed that it would offer British furniture makers a fine example of what could be achieved in marquetry (inlaid work). At that time, most decoration was in historic styles. This panel was praised as showing 'arabesque decoration in the style of the cinque-cento period', that is, based on Italian designs of the 16th century, a period that was particularly admired. The panel cost £10. Although the Museum recorded that it had been made in Rome, the records do not show the name of the maker.
Physical description
Sample panel of marquetry in various woods, mother-of-pearl and ivory or bone, on a ground veneered in ebony.
Place of Origin
Rome, Italy (made)
Date
1850-55 (made)
Artist/maker
Unknown (production)
Materials and Techniques
Marquetry in various woods, mother-of-pearl and ivory or bone on a ground veneered in ebony, ink incised lines
Dimensions
Height: 63.5 cm approx., Width: 63.5 cm approx.
Descriptive line
Sample panel of marquetry of several woods (some stained), mother-of-pearl, ivory and bone, on a ground of ebony
Exhibition History
The Victoria and Albert Museum: Art and Design For All (Kunst und Ausstellungshalle der Bundesrepublik Deutschland, Bonn 18/11/2011-15/04/2012)
Labels and date
PANEL
2716-1856
'American and European Art and Design 1800-1900'
Purchased for £10 from the Paris 1855 Exhibition, this panel was then said to exhibit 'arabesque decoration in the style of the cinque-cento period'. [1987-2006]
Europe and America, 1800-1900, room 101
MARQUETRY PANEL
About 1855
Shown at the International Exhibition, Paris, 1855
Italy, Rome; designer and maker unknown
Marquetry in various woods, with mother-of-pearl and ivory or bone, ebony veneer; ink incised lines
Bought at the exhibition for £10
Museum no. 2716-1856
Critics at the International Exhibition praised this panel for its 'arabesque decoration in the style of the cinque-cento period' - that is, based on Italian designs of the 16th century, a period that was particularly admired. The Museum bought the panel at the exhibition, and recorded that it had been made in Rome, but did not note the name of the maker. [2006]
Materials
Ink; Ivory; Mother-of-pearl; Ebony; Bone
Techniques
Marquetry; Veneered
Subjects depicted
Foliage
Collection code
FWK
