Baluster
Unknown Artist
late 17th–early 18th century
Medium
Pine
Dimensions
Height: 26 in. (66 cm)
Classification
Woodwork
Culture
British
Department
European Sculpture and Decorative Arts
Museum
Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York, NY
Credit
Rogers Fund, 1932
Accession Number
32.106.26
Art Historical Context
Welcome to the European Sculpture and Decorative Arts, where this elegant **Baluster** from 17th–early 18th-century Britain invites you to glimpse the refined craftsmanship of the period. Carved from pine—a lightweight yet durable wood favored for its workability—this 26-inch (66 cm) vertical was designed to support handrails on staircases, balconies, or furniture. Acquired through the Rogers Fund in 2, it exemplifies the intricate woodwork that adorned British homes and public spaces during the transition from Baroque opulence to the more restrained Georgian style. Artisans employed skilled ...