Terms and conditions of use
Armchair
(1884-1887)
Medium
cedar, ebony, ivory, shell, brass, boxwood, silk, silk thread, cotton, gilt-brass, jute, hessian, (other materials)
Measurements
93.4 × 70.3 × 73.0 cm
Credit Line
National Gallery of Victoria, Melbourne
Purchased, 1981
Gallery location
Not on display
About this work
This imposing armchair was part of a suite of furniture designed for the Grecian-inspired music room of Henry G. Marquand’s mansion in Madison Avenue, New York. Although its unusual design references ancient stone thrones, the chair’s main visual interest lies in its elaborately decorated curved back. The exquisitely carved vegetal ornament undoubtedly references ancient vases – as much in the colour palette as in the ornament – and is a veritable celebration of the scroll motif. Lawrence Alma-Tadema continues the scroll theme through his treatment of the luscious palmette motif on the back legs, surrounded by scrolling acanthus leaves and tendrils.
Artwork Details
Place/s of Execution
London, England
Inscription
printed in black ink on ivory label on inside rim of base l.c.: JOHNSTONE, NORMAN & Co (. under o) / MANUFACTURERS. / 67, NEW BOND ST (. under T) LONDON
applied in relief on rear of chair back u.c.: HMG (monogram)
Accession Number
D96-1981
Department
International Decorative Arts
This digital record has been made available on NGV Collection Online through the generous support of Digitisation Champion Ms Carol Grigor through Metal Manufactures Limited
Physical description
Curved back sweeps down from top rail into arms, back inlaid and supported on concave sided panel.