The Little Salon combines the lightness of the 18th century with the dense layering
characteristic of Gardner’s own time. The painted and gilded wooden panels that once decorated the interior of a Venetian palace show the delicate, curving floral patterns and pastel colors typical of late 18th century art. Tapestries showing couples strolling in front of imaginary country houses continue
the garden theme. In the center, a table set for tea suggests the hospitality for which the museum’s founder was justly famous.