Design for a Carriage (Chaise Italienne?)

Art Historical Context

Step into the refined world of 18th design with *Design for a CarriageChaise Italienne? by Giovanni Larciani, also as the "Master of Kress Landscapes." This drawing, housed in the Metropolitan Museum of's Department of Drawings and Prints, the elegance of a luxurious carriage, evoking the grandeur of European aristocracy. Created during an era when horse-drawn vehicles were both practical transport and symbols of status, it reflects the ornamental architecture trends of the time, blending functionality with artistic flourish. Executed in pen and gray ink with brush and brown wash over faint traces of black chalk, and accented by framing outlines in pen and brown ink, the work measures a compact 8-7/16 x 18-1/8 inches (21.5 x 46 cm). These mixed-media techniques allowed Larciani to achieve precise lines, subtle shading, and atmospheric depth—hallmarks of preparatory sketches for craftsmen. The "Chaise Italienne" suggestion hints at Italian influences, possibly evoking lightweight, stylish chaises popular among the elite. As part of The Elisha Whittelsey Collection (acquired via The Elisha Whittelsey Fund in 1952), this piece offers a window into the collaborative world of designers and artisans, where such drawings guided the creation of opulent carriages that paraded through city streets, showcasing wealth and taste. A charming glimpse of history on wheels!

About the Artist

Giovanni Larciani ("Master of the Kress Landscapes") · 1700–1800

Giovanni di Lorenzo Larciani (1484–1527), a Florentine painter known initially as the "Master of the Kress Landscapes," emerged from obscurity in the mid-1990s through the scholarship of Louis Waldman, who linked him to documents including a 1521 contract for an altarpiece. Born and active in Florence until his death, Larciani specialized in religious scenes enriched by vivid, atmospheric landscap...