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Grand Salon from the Hôtel de la Bouëxière
On View In:
Gallery 318
Artist:   Artist Unknown  
Title:   Grand Salon from the Hôtel de la Bouëxière  
Date:   1733-1737  
Medium:   Wood, paint, plaster, gilt, marble, iron  
Dimensions:   190 5/8 x 349 1/2 x 230 3/16 in. (484.2 x 887.8 x 584.7 cm) (measurements do not include door recesses)  
Credit Line:   Gift of the Groves Foundation  
Location:   Gallery 318  

In the 18th century, Paris's elite gathered in salons such as this one to converse, enjoy music and literature, and play games. The room's carved and gilded decoration reflects such pursuits. Trophies adorn the two curved walls, one devoted to music and theater, the other to hunting. Medallions on either side contain allegorical portraits of Africa, America, Europe, and Asia, each identified by a distinctive headdress. Other panels reference classical mythology, including Apollo, God of music and poetry. The cornice that crowns the paneling features frolicking putti and monkeys playing musical instruments. The Institute's Grand Salon started life as the formal reception space in a mansion belonging to Jean Gaillard de La Bouexiere, a wealthy man from Brittany who pursued influential positions during the reign of Louis XV. After a painstaking restoration effort completed in 2005, the salon is a distinguished example of the regence and rococo styles popular during the 1730s.


Object Description  
  
Inscriptions:    
Classification:   Architecture  
Physical Description:   painted and giltwood, plaster, marble and iron  
Creation Place:   Europe, France, , , Paris  
Accession #:   83.147  
Owner:   The Minneapolis Institute of Arts  

 


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