Another trip to the Art Institute of Chicago with a visit this time to the European Decorative Arts collection.
I think of paintings when I think of an art museum, but at the Art Institute there is so much more!
Like this Writing Cabinet or desk by Charles Rennie Mackintosh, who was a key figure of the Glasgow School and a pioneering designer of the Arts and Crafts movement.
This elaborate table has a highly decorative top. Marquetry—a technique where small pieces of wood veneer and other materials are inlaid and have been used to create the design on the table that includes a peacock, surrounded by foliage and flowers. The table's legs are ornately carved and gilded,, the table is made of Indian rosewood, German silver, copper, and mother-of-pearl.
The plaque on this display tells that it is a
Cigar Cabinet.
Designers:
Jean-Eugène Brandely (active France, 1867-1891): Responsible for the overall design.
Emmanuel Frémiet (born France, 1824-1910): Modeled the figures.
Charles-Guillaume Diehl (born Hesse, now Germany; active France, 1841-1885): Produced the cabinet.
Date: Around 1881
Materials: Oak, walnut, cedar, patinated bronze, and rattan.
Collection: Art Institute of Chicago, gift of Lillian and Paul H. Leffmann and May Switzer. Accession number: 1989.1189.
This grand cut glass chair is a part of the Art Institute of Chicago's European Decorative Arts collection. It is known as the "Glass Chair" and was designed by an unknown Russian artisan around 1880. It's believed to have been made by the Imperial Glassworks in Saint Petersburg.
A Kunstschrank is a type of highly ornate German cabinet from the 17th century. These beautiful pieces of furniture were works of art designed to showcase a wealthy owner's vast collection of rare and precious objects.
The Kunstschrank originated in Augsburg, Germany.
Hope you enjoyed the trip to the Art Institute as much as I did! There is so much to see there!
