Italian, Venice
Armchair (Poltrona a pozzetto), about 1780
Painted and varnished walnut, 81 x 68.8 x 57 cm (31 7/8 x 27 1/16 x 22 7/16 in.)
Italian wooden armchair with an upholstered seat cushion closed on the sides and upholstered in a silky striped satin and moire, light blue fabric. The upper framework of the armchair is outlined with delicate strips of painted blue, capped with a carved bow and holy branches. The armrests slope downward in a gentle curve ending in a tight spiral. The vertical apron has light blue and white carvings with a foliate motif and a bow in the center, mirroring the carving on the upper framework. Square carved legs with hollowed insets meet the floor with a short, square foot.
Little Salon
Commentary
Now covered in blue moiré satin striped fabric, this upholstered armchair is part of a set of delicately carved and painted furniture that was purchased by Isabella Gardner in Venice in 1906. In keeping with her eclectic design sense, instead of displaying this group of furniture as a set she playfully placed them throughout the room. The set includes a sofa, four straight-back armchairs, two upholstered armchairs, and four side chairs—look for them all as you explore the room.