Italian, Rome
Column (Colonna), late 17th century
Painted and gilded walnut, 126 x 37 x 37 cm (49 5/8 x 14 9/16 x 14 9/16 in.)
This is a free standing, gilded and painted ornamental column made of walnut. It is composed of a round, flaring base resting on heavy octagonal pier, a shaft, and an inverted conical capital, with a wider, rounded flat top. The shaft is composed of two sections of similar heights, the bottom one that is cylindrical, and the top one that tapers. A golden band unites the two sections, decorated with two rows of small horizontal leaves. Two rings of vertical, larger golden leaves adorn the top and the bottom of band. Both shaft sections are adorned with spiraling vines laden with green leaves and birds.
Raphael Room
Commentary
Isabella Stewart Gardner kept meticulous records of many of her acquisitions. In keeping with this legacy, object information is continually being reviewed, updated, and enriched in order to give greater access to the collection.