JUNE 8 - AUGUST 31, 2001

This exhibit which features ceramics, silver, paintings, jewelry and period furniture, is displayed in the Museum's Transistion Gallery located on the third floor.

The subject of this exhibit is the period following the Civil War when many Americans found themselves wealthier than ever before. With this new found prosperity came a desire for luxury and novelty on a scale unprecedented in American history. Furniture makers, in a bid to meet this new demand, turned to new emerging styles to develop the "Modern Renaissance." Today we refer to this fashion as Renaissance Revival. Although it was inspired by furniture and architecture from the real Renaissance of 14th and 17th century Europe, the elements of these forms were incorporated in such a way to become something original and unique. Its heavy lines and massive form originally was thought most appropriate by Victorian arbiters of taste, for dining room and library soon found a lighter more feminine form appropriate for the parlor and bedroom.

Objects featured in this exhibit have been drawn from the Museum's permanent collection which was assembled by its founder, O.C. Lightner, over half a century ago. In addition to these items, the bulk of the exhibition will feature a recent and highly important donation from Saint Augustine resident and collector, Nancy H. Amato. A typical parlor of the 19th Century has been created by Lightner curator Barry Myers, utilizing furniture, paintings and other decorative objects from the Amato collection.

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