Coat stand, c. 1867
Cast ironexpand_more
Gift of George Johnson and family and the Decorative Arts Curatorial Council in honor of Emily Johnson, President of the Council, 1999-2002expand_more 2002.169a,b
Not on Viewexpand_more
Few late-19th century artists were as successful or as versatile as Christopher Dresser in designing objects made of vastly different material, including wood, glass, ceramics, textiles, silver, and iron. Here cast iron is manipulated with a painted surface that imitates the grain of wood, one of several finishes offered by Coalbrookdale in their catalogues. The overlapping motifs of thistles, banana leaves, and stylized snake or dragon heads speak to Dresser's scientific education as well as his desire to render flora and fauna in abstract, geometric forms. The sinuous curves of this coatstand give the object a sense of rhythm, suggestive of the then nascent Art Nouveau style.
Details
- Title
- Coat stand
- Artist Life
- 1834-1904
- Role
- Designer
- Accession Number
- 2002.169a,b
- Curator Approved
This record has been reviewed by our curatorial staff but may be incomplete. These records are frequently revised and enhanced. If you notice a mistake or have additional information about this object, please email collectionsdata@artsmia.org.
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