Tassels

They're some of my favorite decorative details, particularly when rendered in a material other than silk or thread. During my trip to D.C., amazing tassels of iron, brass, marble, and carved wood seemed to follow me everywhere.

From the carved marble tassels of Hiram Power's Greek Slave at the Corcoran...

 

... also seen in this 1848 daguerreotype from the collection of the Getty

 

To the carved wooden tassels on the frame of this mirror in the Renwick Gallery...

 

...to a solid brass mid-19th century curtain pull I found at an antiques shop in Old Town Alexandria and couldn't resist taking home with me...

 

... and finally a cast iron example from my collection similar to one on a piece of ironwork at Dumbarton Oaks in Georgetown.

and it continues...

I just returned from a brief trip to Washington, D.C. and made it a point to visit the Corcoran Gallery. During research for my previous post on the homes of Huguette Clark (available here) I discovered that the Salon Dore, which Senator Clark had imported from the Hotel Clermont in Paris for his 5th Avenue residence, currently exists in the collection of the gallery. I had to see it in person.

 

The salon during its period on 5th Avenue, circa 1925 prior to the demolition of the home.

 

The salon today in the Corcoran Gallery...

The room is amazing... 

However, the ceiling leaves much to be desired.

 

A detail of the doors.

 

My favorite carved panel representing theatre. I particularly love the masks and peacock feather fan. 

In addition to this spectacular room, Clark donated his entire collection of art to the Corcoran following his death in 1925. Following this donation a large addition was made to the museum in honor of Senator Clark. 

 

The plaque honoring Senator Clark and mentioning Huguette.

 

The skylight and stairwell in the Clark addition. Classic and subdued compared to the garishness of the 5th Avenue mansion.