Pedestal
Decorative Arts
This pedestal features a fluted column in the neo-Grec style (with volutes and medallions depicting classical profiles), as well as Egyptian-inspired elements such as the mounts on the sides. The opening of the Suez Canal in 1869 sparked a renewed interest in Egypt and its culture in the United States, and Kimbel and Cabus followed these and similar trends in their early work. In late 1875, the firm auctioned off their stock of historical revivalist furniture to raise capital, which allowed them to focus on the new Modern Gothic style.
MEDIUM
Painted hard maple, zinc, copper alloy, gilding
DATES
ca. 1870
DIMENSIONS
42 1/2 x 17 1/2 x 17 1/2 in. (108.0 x 44.5 x 44.5 cm)
(show scale)
MARKINGS
no marks
SIGNATURE
no signature
INSCRIPTIONS
no inscriptiions
ACCESSION NUMBER
86.81
CREDIT LINE
Gift of the American Art Council
CATALOGUE DESCRIPTION
Pedestal, ebonized wood with gilt metal mounts. Core of the object is a fluted columnar form with four brackets at the base; below which are four bracket feet. Along two sides of the column are scrolled brackets, which serve as the abstracted torso for an Egyptian figure. At the base of each scrolled bracket are two gilt metal feet with sandals; at the top is female bust with Egyptian headdress, gilt metal. Circular disc forms the top of the pedestal; shaped bracket apron above each head. Most surfaces of the pedestal are ornamented with incised gilt lines in stylized patterns including palmettes. Polished brass ornamental strips are applied around the base of the pedestal near the feet; around the neck of the column; around the edge of the top. Gilt metal rosettes appear at the interior of each whorl on the scrolled bracket and a gilt metal medallion of a Roman warrior appears at top of column between each Egyptian head mount.
CONDITION: Normal wear to wood areas, especially at feet. One large bruise of edge of bracket beneath proper left breast of one mount. Gilt incised lines much worn in lower part of pedestal. One mount has stabilized fissure at proper left of neck and obvious repaired damaged on proper right. Metal mounts re-gilded by vendor.
MUSEUM LOCATION
This item is not on view
CAPTION
Kimbel and Cabus (1863-1882). Pedestal, ca. 1870. Painted hard maple, zinc, copper alloy, gilding, 42 1/2 x 17 1/2 x 17 1/2 in. (108.0 x 44.5 x 44.5 cm). Brooklyn Museum, Gift of the American Art Council, 86.81. Creative Commons-BY (Photo: Gavin Ashworth, 86.81_GavinAshworth.jpg)
IMAGE
overall, 86.81_GavinAshworth.jpg. Gavin Ashworth, 2020
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RIGHTS STATEMENT
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