The Very Collectable "Intaglio"

6 - 12 - 2010

Whenever anyone sees an intaglio there is an immediate curiosity invariably followed by the question “what are these?”  The history of these is so interesting and unique as they were truly an international phenomenon during the grand tours to Europe by Americans between the 18th and 19th centuries before photography. Wealthy travelers had them carved for them and bought them as keepsakes to take back to America – most typically they portray Greek, Roman, and mythological figures.


I have always been fond of simple elements that can be framed and displayed in a series. Whether it’s a collection of butterflies, insects, sea shells, or intaglios; a collection of anything can be made more important and provide dramatic wall art when framed, matted and hung symmetrically usually the more the better!


Intaglios are definitely a favorite because they are so unusual and hard-to-find. When framed they will adapt beautifully in any interior design – from contemporary to Country French, Swedish and English interiors alike.


This is a perfect example of simple elegance – 4 framed intaglios hung between two gorgeous antique Swedish lamps. They are the perfect choice hung above this Swedish table – the shell boxes have just the right shape and texture sitting below the plaster intaglios as another collection.


Intaglio

I love to hang art on the styles of bookcases and built-in cabinetry.  I often hang art on the back wall of a cabinet – but look how these beautiful intaglios are showcased on this built-in book case.  Whatever the art – when hung in a similar fashion somehow adds importance to the art and the visual impact is stronger than the same art hung on a wall.


Intaglio

Visual interest is heightened when art is stacked or hung against a mirror.  This client had a huge fireplace with a mirror sitting on the mantle. The simple introduction of an antique intaglio, resting on the mantle in front of the mirror added so much more interest than the mirror sitting on the mantel alone.


Intaglio

This special collection of rare intaglios was used as a focal point in a small but important area in a formal living room.  The colors of the mats and frames were the same so the simplicity allows you to focus on the beautiful groupings of white intaglios.


Intaglio

The intaglio art available through Swedish Dekor is truly special. Our hand-picked collections of beautiful plaster intaglios are matted against Italian silk mats and are framed in an antique gold or silver finished frame by Larson-Juhl. They are an outstanding piece of art hung individually or as the beginning of your next collection as a grouping.


Intaglio
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