Wall Bracket
Unknown Artist
1765–90
Medium
Pine, gilt gesso
Dimensions
9 7/8 x 6 3/4 x 5 5/8 in. (25.1 x 17.1 x 14.3 cm)
Classification
Wall bracket
Culture
American
Department
The American Wing
Museum
Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York, NY
Credit
Bequest of Flora E. Whiting, 1971
Accession Number
1971.180.53
Art Historical Context
This elegant wall bracket, crafted between 1765 and 1790 by an unknown American artisan, exemplifies the refined decorative arts of the late colonial and early Federal periods. Measuring a compact 9⅞ × 6¾ × 5⅝ inches, it was designed to support candles, small sculptures, or cherished objects on a wall, blending utility with ornamentation in prosperous American homes. Fashioned from pine—a readily available hardwood—and adorned with gilt gesso, the bracket showcases clever techniques to mimic European luxury. Gesso, a molded plaster-like paste, provided a smooth base for gilding, allowing gold...