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5. Living Room
Transcript
In the McKim, Mead, and White architectural plans, this room is labelled as the “Living Room” a relatively new concept at the time. This newer type of room is meant to be a designated space for informal uses. You might call this the “fun” room. After a day of outdoor enjoyment, the Vanderbilts and their guests would adjourn in the Living Room. Parlor games were a focus of these gatherings and to that end, you can find fold-out card tables throughout the room. Bridge was one popular game during this time. Here musicians performed and melodies would permeate the air as they would dance, play card games, and relax until midnight. The piano to the right is an 1878 Steinway & Sons concert grand piano. It’s noted for its giltwood and vernis Martin decorations, the sides with floral and ribbon borders, and oval portraits depicting classical composers, such as Beethoven, Handel, and Mozart. Bands of poetic verse by Milton and Shakespeare wrap around the side; the lid, also gilded, is decorated with a painted pastoral landscape, the backboard with floral garlands. Before you leave, take a moment to look around and you’ll notice rather large tapestries. On either side of the Living room there are two tapestries depicting the Medici Family Crest. As you leave the living room, there are two 16th c. Flemish tapestries showing scenes from the Trojan War. Tapestries are considered a personal and significant collection for Mr. Vanderbilt and are displayed prominently throughout the mansion.
Description
The Vanderbilts used their living room almost exclusively as an entertainment space. This is not a ball room and the house doesn’t have one. This was where Mrs. Vanderbilt and her acquaintances convened for more casual conversation and coffee. Their male counterparts would later join them here for cards, charades, music, and more relaxed dialogue than what would typically take place at dinner. Parties held on Saturday nights included dancing, as well.
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