Artwork

A Collection of Designs for Household Furniture and Interior Decoration

A Collection of Designs for Household Furniture and Interior Decoration is a print by the Romanticist artist George Smith. It dates from 1819 and is held in the collection of the Victoria and Albert Museum.

About this work

Overview

This print is part of George Smith's 1808 publication 'A Collection of Designs for Household Furniture and Interior Decoration', a comprehensive collection of 158 engraved plates showcasing furniture and interior design.

Subject & Meaning

The design depicts a grand sideboard with ornate carvings and classical motifs, featuring statues of figures in ancient dress at either end. The blend of classical elements with contemporary furniture reflects the early 19th-century taste for eclectic, historically-inspired design.

Technique & Style

The print reproduces an engraved plate from the original publication, characterized by intricate detail and a warm, reddish-brown color palette. The design combines neoclassical elements with luxurious materials, exemplifying the Regency style's emphasis on opulence and refinement.

History & Provenance

The original publication was issued by J. Taylor at the Architectural Library in London. An earlier version on Whatman paper, dated 1804, is held in the National Art Library, while the design is also recorded in the Staatliche Kunstbibliothek Berlin's catalog of ornament prints.

Nouveaux Desseins de Pieds de Tables et de Vases et Consoles de sculpture en bois Inventes par le sieur Pineau sculpteur, Nicolas Pineau

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Artist & collection

Artist

George Smith

A painter and maker of still-life objects in the 19th century, George Smith left small oil scenes of anglers at waterfalls, teapots, and fruit stalls.