Carlton Hobbs 9053

August 17 2009, 12:54pm

Term of the Day: Etruscan 8/17/09

A breakfront cabinet with original Etruscan style painted decoration. The distinctive color scheme of this cabinet (terra-cotta and black on a very pale blue background) is characteristic of the Etruscan style, which was introduced in England in the 18th century by the Adam brothers. The look was based on the ornamentation found on ancient vases, which at the time were believed to have been Etruscan, but were probably actually of Greek origin. The Etruscan Room at Osterley Park in Middlesex is an example of an Etruscan style interior designed by Robert Adam.

To learn more about this cabinet, visit: bit.ly/CH-9053