Drawing, Elevation of a Closet at Syon House, Middlesex. Study for Plate 64 (nos. 411-424) in "Designs for Various Ornaments"

This object is not part of the Cooper Hewitt's permanent collection. It was able to spend time at the museum on loan from The Morgan Library & Museum as part of Mr. Pergolesi's Curious Things.

Nothing is known of Pergolesi’s youth and training in Italy. He arrived in London, England, around 1760, probably summoned by the famous architect Robert Adam (British, 1728–1792), who in that year began one of his most celebrated neoclassical projects: the renovation of Syon House for the Duke of Northumberland. This drawing depicts a small room (the term “closet” then referred to a small private room) heavily decorated with ornament inspired by ancient Roman wall and ceiling paintings. It was the first space at Syon to be designed by Adam and his team. Pergolesi’s drawing, which he reproduced as a print in 1792, suggests that he was involved in the room’s creation

This object was previously on display as a part of the exhibition Mr. Pergolesi's Curious Things.