Italian, Venice
Stand, 1770s (inlays: early 1800s)
Walnut, pine, bronze, with inlays of mulberry and ivory, 78.3 x 44.8 x 30.3 cm (30 13/16 x 17 5/8 x 11 15/16 in.)
This Italian nightstand tapers gracefully towards the floor. The only straight line seems to be along the rear top surface where it might meet a wall. The front of the piece undulates forward in a central bow. A simple, round molding separates the upper drawer from the lower hinged cabinet. The nightstand sits on a stepped frame with a bowed apron that matches the curve of the cabinet. It has squat, cabriole, S shaped feet. The piece is veneered in burled walnut with inlay bands of darker mulberry wood that separate inlays of ivory. The ivory depicts flowering vines and birds on the front and sides. There are ivory flowers, vines and a cherub on the top.
Dutch 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.