Chairs and Architectural Sketches
1785â1795
Classification
furniture
Department
Smithsonian Collection
Museum
Smithsonian American Art Museum
Credit
Museum purchase through gift of various donors
Accession Number
1901-39-1452
About this artwork
Research in Progress
Art Historical Context
**Chairs and Architectural Sketches by Giuseppe Barberi (, 1746–1809) offers a fascinating glimpse into late 18-century design from the heart of Italy. Created between 1785 and1795, this work features detailed renderings of chairs alongside architectural elements, reflecting the era's seamless integration of furniture and built environments. Barberi, a skilled practitioner during the Neoclassical period, captured ideas that bridged classical antiquity with practical innovation, a hallmark of Enlightenment-era creativity. Classified as furniture within the Smithsonian American Art Museum's col...