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Agostino Brunias, Italian, ca. 1730–1796 · late 18th century · Gouache paint verre fixeé, ivory (backing), glass, gilt metal

From the collection of Cooper Hewitt, Smithsonian Design Museum. Free to download, adapt and use — no permission needed.

About this work

Circular form with painted scene depicting light skinned woman on left in white, low cut bodice with mid-length, ruffled sleeves, loose white overskirt, longer light blue underskirt, barefeet, white scarf on head, and long, tied black ribbon around her neck. She lifts skirts slightly while gazing at black man to her right; he wears short orange and brown skirt, possibly feathered, with brown strap draped diagonally across his bare chest and tall, orange feathered headdress. His left hand is on his hip while he points downward with his right hand as he gestures to the lighter skinned woman. Behind him to the right are two black women: one wears long orange, white, and black vertically striped skirt, scarf with black and orange stripes, draped head scarf with orange stripes, and gold beaded choker around neck; second woman at extreme right with her back turned to viewer wears long gold, white, and black vertically striped skirt, orange and white scarf draped over shoulders, white blouse with 3/4 length sleeves, tall orange and white turban on her head, and white pendant earrings; both women gaze at the other two figures. Landscape of palms and other plant life in background, as well as indigenous architecture at rear left. Sky painted in pale blue and orange tones. Painting protected by domed glass and framed in gilded metal. Plain metal loop attached to center of reverse side.

Cooper Hewitt, Smithsonian Design Museum’s own description
Credit lineButton. late 18th century. Agostino Brunias, Italian, ca. 1730–1796. Cooper Hewitt, Smithsonian Design Museum, Gift of R. Keith Kane from the Estate of Mrs. Robert B. Noyes. CC0.

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