Artwork
Inlaid ivory in ebony, in a chair

Inlaid ivory in ebony, in a chair is a drawing by Florence Collins. It dates from 1850 and is held in the collection of the Victoria and Albert Museum.
About this work
Overview
This 1850 drawing by Florence Collins depicts the inlaid ivory ornamentation on a 17th-century ebony chair, one of three studies focusing on the chair's decorative elements.
Subject & Meaning
The drawing features a black oval frame adorned with intricately rendered white flowers and leaves, characterized by curved branches and varied floral shapes, including cup and bell forms. The meticulous inclusion of woven textures on select flowers underscores the artist's attention to detail.
Technique & Style
Collins's drawing technique emphasizes precision, capturing the delicate contrast between the ebony background (represented as a black frame) and the ivory inlays (depicted in white). The balanced composition reflects a blend of observational accuracy and artistic restraint.
History & Provenance
Created in 1850, this drawing is a documentary record of a pre-existing 17th-century chair. A note on the sheet specifies it as a copy of an inlaid ivory and ebony piece, indicating the original design was carved, not drawn.
Context
For similar examples of inlaid furniture from the period, the Victoria and Albert Museum is suggested as a reference point, implying the chair's design aligns with craftsmanship typical of its era.
Artist & collection
Artist
Florence Collins made detailed drawings of furniture and decorations in the mid-1800s.













