Bracket
1746â1809
Classification
metalwork
Department
Smithsonian Collection
Museum
Smithsonian American Art Museum
Credit
Museum purchase through gift of various donors and from Eleanor G. Hewitt Fund
Accession Number
1938-88-2013
About this artwork
Research in Progress
Art Historical Context
Giuseppe Barberi, an Italian artist active from 1746 to 1809, crafted this elegant *Bracket* during the late 18th century, a period when neoclassical influences were reshaping European design. As a piece of metalwork, it likely served as a decorative support for architecture, furniture, or interiors, exemplifying the exquisite craftsmanship of Italian artisans. Barberi's work often blended classical motifs with refined ornamentation, reflecting the era's fascination with antiquity amid the Enlightenment's emphasis on symmetry and proportion. Though the specific medium remains unidentified and...