Photograph of Scagliola table purchased by Anne S.K. Brown (June 25, 1934)
Title
Photograph of Scagliola table purchased by Anne S.K. Brown (June 25, 1934)
Description
In 1934, Anne S.K. Brown bought these scagliola side tables as a defining feature of the music room. The tables were versatile, and could hold guests’ drinks, lamps, or other decorations.
An Italian architectural technique popularized by the Medici family, Scagliola substituted cheaper material for expensive marble inlays. As this practice became more widespread and popular, scagliola furniture and art became more refined and valued at higher prices. The Browns bought this furniture at the height of its popularity and may well have paid as much for it as for real marble. Conservators repaired the inlay on these original tables during the reconstruction of the house.
An Italian architectural technique popularized by the Medici family, Scagliola substituted cheaper material for expensive marble inlays. As this practice became more widespread and popular, scagliola furniture and art became more refined and valued at higher prices. The Browns bought this furniture at the height of its popularity and may well have paid as much for it as for real marble. Conservators repaired the inlay on these original tables during the reconstruction of the house.
Creator
Brown, Anne
Source
Digital copy created by the John Nicholas Brown Center for Public Humanities and Cultural Heritage
Date
1934-06-25
Contributor
Minah Seo
Rights
Rights Status Not Evaluated
Original Format
Photograph
Citation
Brown, Anne, “Photograph of Scagliola table purchased by Anne S.K. Brown (June 25, 1934),” Digital Tours of The Nightingale-Brown House , accessed December 19, 2025, https://cds.library.brown.edu/NBHouse/items/show/25.