Baluster
Unknown Artist
first half 18th century
Medium
Deal
Dimensions
Height: 31 3/4 in. (80.6 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
32.106.43
Art Historical Context
This finely turned baluster, crafted from deal—a softwood like pine popular in Britain for its workability—exemplifies the exquisite woodwork of the early 18th century, during the early Georgian period (circa 1700–1750). Standing at 31 3/4 inches tall, it would have formed part of a grand staircase balustrade in a fashionable British home, supporting a handrail while adding rhythmic elegance to interiors inspired by classical Palladian architecture. Though by an unknown artisan, such pieces highlight the skill of provincial woodturners, who used lathes to create smooth, symmetrical forms that ...