Accession Number

2009.016.002

Description

One miniature fretwork Sorrento easel in a light-coloured wood. The centre of the easel has a marquetried design of a woman holding a fan in a light brown wood against a dark oval rosewood panel.

Narrative

This miniature fretwork Sorrento easel was made in Italy during the last quarter of the 19th Century. Affluent travelers on the Grand Tour typically purchased such souvenirs for their homes, thus furnishing them while simultaneously demonstrating their status as people of culture and financial means. The Dunsmuirs of Craigdarroch acquired various objects in Europe that are now in Craigdarroch’s museum collection. This easel was collected for display on Effie Dunsmuir's bedroom Davenport desk.

History of Use

Unknown. Purchased at a Victoria, B.C. auction in 2009.

Date

circa 1885

Dimensions

15 x 9 cm

Material

Wood; Wood, rosewood; Paint

Country of Origin

Italy