Italian, Piedmont
Duchesse or Daybed (Letto da giorno), mid 18th century
Walnut, 86.5 x 220.5 x 97 cm (34 1/16 x 86 13/16 x 38 3/16 in.)
This is an Italian walnut daybed. The barrel-shaped ends face each other and are connected by an elongated seat cushion. It has six legs, two at each end and two at the middle of the seat cushion. The fluted legs curve slightly outward and have square feet. The daybed's front, back, and seat cushion are covered with red silk in a large formal floral damask pattern. The frame extends around the top and bottom of the daybed. The bottom is curvy and has flowers carved at each leg and arm. The end of the arms curve inward to meet the bottom of the frame. Red damask armrests are attached to the arms with brass nails. The damask covering the daybed is also attached to the frame with brass nails.
Little Salon
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.