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Intarsia door

UnknownThe 1600s

Nationalmuseum Sweden

Nationalmuseum Sweden
Stockholm, Sweden

This door originally stood in Tidö Palace. It is a fine example of how one worked with patterns and ornamentation in furnishing. If you look closely, you will see that the decoration is made of wooden inlays of various shades, so-called intarsia. The pattern consists of arabesques, that is, stylised flowers and leaves as well as imaginative animal-like motifs. The door is one of approximately forty that were made specifically for Tidö Palace by German craftsmen living in Sweden. Their trade skills spread and led to the introduction of a furnishing style with a clear German influence.

The intarsia technique is extremely difficult to master, and therefore very costly. It demands extraordinary workmanship. Wood expands and contracts depending on humidity, heat, and cold. Certain types of wood are more sensitive to climate changes. When applying the intarsia one must take into account the movement of the wood. Various colouring methods were used to vary the shades of wood. Plant dye, oil, and water stained the wood, while burning gave a darker tone.

Details

  • Title: Intarsia door
  • Creator: Unknown
  • Date Created: The 1600s
  • Title in Swedish: Dörr till dryckessal
  • Physical Dimensions: w1820 x h3200 cm
  • Type: Door
  • Rights: Nationalmuseum, Nationalmuseum
  • Medium: Oak, walnut, boxwood, maple and black oak.

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