Design Dispatch No. 04
Design Dispatch No. 04
I have been diving into Neoclassical style lately, and with that, the revivals. Neoclassicism emerged as a cultural movement in architecture and decorative arts that drew inspiration from the art and culture of classical antiquity in Rome and Ancient Greece. Revivals are notably recognized in the Victorian and Mid Century eras. The mythology of Ancient Greece is fascinating and my favorite goddess is Athena, goddess of wisdom, the arts, and strategic warfare. She's intellectual and a master strategist, and is also the patron of craftsmen. These are some Neoclassical pieces that I have been thinking about this month:
Grecian Urns on Metallic Bronze Wallpaper, I love the bronze color and the brush stroke style of this. I’d definitely paper a powder room with this.
Neoclassical Perseus Cameo Brooch, Victorian, circa 1860. I have a lot of cameo pieces but none of them are of mythical figures. There are so many cool Neoclassical pieces of jewelry that came out of the Victorian era. I don’t think it is talked about enough.
Antique French Neoclassical Period Fireback, 18th C., Cast Iron. I have been sourcing antique firebacks for my project, and this is a beautiful one.
Greek Key Square Brass Glass Top Cocktail Table by Mastercraft, 1970s. I had one just like this for about 10 years. Had. I definitely need to find another one.
Jim Beam,Whiskey Decanter, Marbled Milk Glass, Olympic Discus Thrower, 1971. I found this in a vintage shop a couple of weeks ago in Palm Springs. It looked like a cool vase, I had no idea that it was a whiskey decanter. It definitely makes a great conversation piece.
Mid Century ‘Three Graces’ Lamp Table. I bought this for myself last month as a birthday gift. The ladies are from Greek mythology and their names are Aglaea (Elegance), Euphrosyne (Joy), and Thalia (Bloom). Love these three as a metaphor for where I am in life right now.
Neoclassical Urn, carved gilt wood painted panel, 18th C. This is a piece that I have sourced for my aquatic project and it will hang in one of the locker rooms at the fitness center.
Grecian Bust Planter. I have been looking for one of these for my office. Yet to find the perfect one but there are some great ones out there.
Handwoven Rattan Pedestal, Classical Greek Ionic Design. The style and material feel like a very unexpected combination. Maybe the Grecian head sits atop this?
Mosaic Floor with Head of Medusa about C.E. 115–150, Getty Villa. I took this picture at the Getty Villa probably a dozen or so years ago.