Michele Gordigiani, “Cornelia Ward Hall and Her Children,” (Detail), 1880 - Museum of the City of New York |
Literally right across the street from Central Park and on Fifth Avenue, no less, the Museum of the City of New York is a beautiful, small museum housed in a Georgian-Revival building completed in 1932. Focusing on New York City's past, present & future, the shows here are always well curated, interesting and worth your time. The museums 22 minute film, Timescapes, gives you a whirlwind tour of the history of this great city - showing every 1/2 hour, it's a wonderful way to start your visit.
Gilded New York Salon - Tiffany & Co. Foundation Gallery |
One of the jewelry cases with gilded, annular clock (in window sill) featuring the Three Graces, probably French(1850-1875), and view looking over to Central Park |
Tiffany & Co. brooch set with pearls, Burmese ruby, demantoid garnets, pink sapphires & diamonds. G. Paulding Farnham, designer, c. 1900 |
Diamond and emerald brooch, probably French, c. 1890 |
Tiffany & Co. gold bangle set with amethyst, sinhalite, garnet, aquamarine & pink tourmaline. G. Paulding Farnham, designer, c. 1895 |
Marcus & Co., The Rehan Jewel, c. 1895-1905 Plique a jour enamel & gold. The jewel is named after its owner, the celebrated New York actress, Ada Rehan ( 1859-1916) |
Dreicer & Co. necklace of platinum, natural pearl & diamond, c. 1905 |
There were more jewels but as you can see, it was difficult to get a good photo of them through the glass, so we will move on to the other items on display. Accessories, costumes, silver and more!
Duvelleroy folding fan, Paris, c. 1900 Painted silk leaf, applied sequins, feather; carved and painted mother- of- pearl monture Beautiful Duvelleroy fan box, below |
Handbag handle with mermaids in silver and chrysoprase clasp, c. 1905 F. Walter Lawrence - designer Gustave Manz, silversmith Love this! And for the gentleman.... |
Ivory, gold & wood novelty cane with naked lady in concealed compartment - Tiffany & Co. silver flask with seahorse design, 1882 - Silver and engraved glass flask by Gorham Manufacturing Co., 1898 |
Maison Worth, Paris - "Infanta Margarita after Velazquez", fancy dress costume worn by Ms. Kate Brice to the Bradley-Martin Ball, 1897 |
Fan, opera glasses, hair comb, purses, very dainty evening shoes and a pair of yellow, silk stockings |
A selection of silver & silver gilt items along with Venetian glass, earthenware and some Etruscan revival jewelry. |
Etruscan revival jewelry - Necklace by Giacinto Melillo, Italy, late 1800's |
You can read more about this elegant & extravagant period of New York City's history, here, at the museums website. There is also a great book on the subject, featuring the items in the exhibit, done by the museum, called - Gilded New York: Design, Fashion and Society
Untermyer Fountain - Three Dancing Maidens by German sculptor Walter Schott |
After you've enjoyed your time at the museum, I highly suggest heading across the street and up a few blocks to the Central Park Conservatory Garden. The only formal garden in Central Park, it is like stepping back in time to the turn of the century, and across the pond to Europe. Divine!
*All photos in this post taken by Wendy E. Smith