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Pedestal

Decorative Arts and Design

MEDIUM Wood
  • Reportedly From: Germany
  • DATES ca. 1890
    DIMENSIONS 46 1/4 x 22 1/2 x 17 in. (117.5 x 57.2 x 43.2 cm)  (show scale)
    MARKINGS no marks
    SIGNATURE no signature
    INSCRIPTIONS no inscriptions
    ACCESSION NUMBER 1990.230.5
    CREDIT LINE Gift of Mr. and Mrs. Bruce M. Newman
    CATALOGUE DESCRIPTION Pedestal: Fruitwood, stained walnut color. Circular turned molded base from which rises a pedestal stem that is cone-shaped at the bottom and rises to a trunk-like form with four truncated branches. Pedestal stem is carved to simulate bark with carved vines and leaves of ivy. Perched on two of the truncated branches is a large three-dimensional carved griffin whose tail arcs back to pedestal stem. The hairy paw feet of the griffin rise to grasshopper-like legs, the knees of which support the turned disc top of the stand which has a dished center and incised decoration comprising four pointed star and stylized acanthus in center; scrolling acanthus and four cartouches on rim. The neck of the griffin curves backward forming an S-shape with the tail and the open mouth of the vigorously carved head grasps one edge of the disc top. CONDITION - Large chip from tip of one side of griffin’s rear back shell. Mars to finish, especially to base. Numerous chips and losses to ivy leaves on pedestal; nicks to ears.
    MUSEUM LOCATION This item is not on view
    CAPTION Pedestal, ca. 1890. Wood, 46 1/4 x 22 1/2 x 17 in. (117.5 x 57.2 x 43.2 cm). Brooklyn Museum, Gift of Mr. and Mrs. Bruce M. Newman, 1990.230.5. Creative Commons-BY (Photo: Brooklyn Museum, CUR.1990.230.5.jpg)
    IMAGE overall, CUR.1990.230.5.jpg. Brooklyn Museum photograph, 2010
    "CUR" at the beginning of an image file name means that the image was created by a curatorial staff member. These study images may be digital point-and-shoot photographs, when we don\'t yet have high-quality studio photography, or they may be scans of older negatives, slides, or photographic prints, providing historical documentation of the object.
    RIGHTS STATEMENT Creative Commons-BY
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     <em>Pedestal</em>, ca. 1890. Wood, 46 1/4 x 22 1/2 x 17 in.  (117.5 x 57.2 x 43.2 cm). Brooklyn Museum, Gift of Mr. and Mrs. Bruce M. Newman, 1990.230.5. Creative Commons-BY (Photo: Brooklyn Museum, CUR.1990.230.5.jpg)