Palazzo Sideboard by Drexel

ca. 1960-63

Produced by Drexel for only a few short years, Palazzo consisted of a collection of pieces inspired by French and English Regency furniture and decoration that had found its way into Italy during the Napoleonic era of the early 1800s. This decidedly mid-century modern rendition is in a finish referred to as Terra Cotta, with painted graphic black details. In this piece, black mirror was used to replace the curtain fabric that backed the decorative grating.

In retrospect, it appears to us as being as much inspired by the designs of Tommi Parzinger as it was by the early 19th century furnishings found in palaces of Florence, Venice or Rome.