#setee

Collection: National Gallery of Victoria, Melbourne, Australia

Collection: National Gallery of Victoria, Melbourne, Australia

The love between Melissa and Xania was immense. A mutual respect and friendship had grown strongly over a relatively short time. As Xania slept very little she often got up very early and perused Melissa and Bernard's extensive library situated actually in the dining room. By the time Melissa had got up Xania, who could read extremely fast, would have already read at least one book. She loved reading and learning but one thing she loved more was what waited for her. Melissa would get up considerably later than Xania but one of the first things she would do would be to greet Xania with a big strong hug. It was something Xania looked forward to every morning.

Medium: Carved, painted and gilded linden wood; squab pillow in silk velvet (not original)

Bruno de Caumont

This is a portrait of Adèle Meyer (née Levis) with her daughter Elsie Charlotte and son Frank Cecil. Her husband, a banker, was foreign emissary of the Rothschilds and chairman of De Beers. The theatrical composition of the painting, with its plunging perspective, perhaps reflects Mrs Meyer’s own passion for theatre and opera. By using studio props, including the wood paneling and Louis XV sofa, Sargent created an image of opulence and unapologetic wealth reflecting the status of Adèle Meyer in society.

▪Settee. Date: ca. 1690 Place of origin: Europe, England

▪Settee. Date: ca. 1802-1807 Maker: Thomas Hope (British, 1769-1831) Medium: gilt-wood, reproduction wool upholstery.