Object Image

Cavagnole

Rectangular board, part of a larger set (1921-22-197 to 209), painted in polychrome colors, gilt, and varnished, with 20 rectangular, decorated sections, numbered 21 thru 40, divided into 4 columns. Number 21, at top left, features winged putto gazing into mirror framed by flower wreath; 22, below, with lactating figure of nude female holding globe in her hands; 23 of red capped European Goldfinch perched in tree; 24 of seated nude male with outstretched arm and fire emanating from the top of his head; 25, at bottom left, with putto holding arrow and shield and framed by flowered wreath; 26, at top, with profile bust of peasant woman wearing white cap; 27, below, of basket of turnips; 28 of bare breasted woman dressed in long flowing robes and crown, wielding dagger and standing before burning city; 29 of orange-red flowers, possibly lilies; 30, at bottom, of 3/4 view of peasant woman holding dish containing coin; 31, at top, with figure of bearded, elderly man in large brown cap, and dark coat with broad white collar, holding coin between his thumb and forefinger; 32, below, of pomegranates; 33 of warrior in armored breastplate, plumed helmet, red flowing robe and sword at his side, standing before a masked ship with arm outstretched; 34 of classical urn containing flowers; 35 of beggar playing violin; 36, at top right, of blindfolded putto with horn and quiver in his hands and framed by flowered wreath; 37 of seated nude male with flowing red robes and transparent veil draped over his head, his outstretched arm grasping a nearby branch; 38 of horse with dressy feathered plume, mask and muzzle, bearing large baskets of bread and vegetables on his back; 39 of partially draped, seated figure of sculptor with tools in hands and marble bust to his side; 40, at bottom right, of putto framed by flowered wreath. Numbered rectangles framed by classical grotesque decoration on 4 sides with gold highlights. Left 2 columns and right 2 columns divided by vertical column of laurel leaves. At top a crest of laurel leaf swags flanks central, gold-framed cartouche inscribed with Roman numeral II. Reverse painted a rose color and is unadorned.

Credit: Gift of Eleanor and Sarah Hewitt

late 18th century
Painted, gilt and varnished papier mache
1921-22-198
Image and text © Cooper Hewitt, Smithsonian Design Museum, 2020

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