Italian
Sacristy Bench (Panca con schienale), late 19th century
Walnut, 165 x 422 x 49 cm (64 15/16 x 166 1/8 x 19 5/16 in.)
This is a long, carved walnut bench with a straight back. The seat of the bench is supported by six brackets that are carved with foliage and heart-shaped designs. Above the bench seat and aligned with the brackets are pilasters (rectangular, vertical wall elements that resemble flat columns), decorated with carved scrolls. Atop the pilasters are the carved heads of putti, or cherubs. More of the carved scrolls run between the putti the length of the bench. Above the putti and scrolls runs a cornice. Dominating the back of the bench are five panels–three large and two smaller rectangles. These panels are decorated with wooden plaques carved in different abstract shapes.
Long Gallery
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.